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US Grains Council working for farmers at Global Ethanol Summit

US Grains Council President Ryan LeGrand says they are keeping farmers top of mind while meeting with representatives from 60 countries at the first Global Ethanol Summit this week.

“We are working for the US farmer. That is the sector that we want to see their bottom line improve. We know it has been a struggle and we are doing everything we can on the export side to help move gallons out of the United States.”

USDA data shows US ethanol exports in 2018 were the equivalent of 609 million bushels of corn and ethanol exports grew by 18% per year over the last five years, making it the fastest growing US ag export.

LeGrand says there has been positive interaction with international visitors about the potential for more ethanol exports, adding that the largest potential for ethanol trade is with China.

“That is something that could move the needle. You’re talking pretty easily one billion gallons could go into the Chinese market and that is about what we have in inventories today.”

He says there are also promising opportunities for exports to Mexico and South American countries like Columbia and Peru.   

The US Grains Council co-hosted the summit with Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association in Washington D.C. LeGrand says they plan to host the summit every two years in the US.