Council Hosts Ethanol Team From European Union

Last week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) staff led a high-level delegation of European Union (EU) policymakers and food and fuel industry representatives to Kansas and Texas to facilitate in-depth technical dialogue and strategic engagement to support the stabilization and expansion of ethanol-gasoline blend rates in the EU, specifically Portugal and Italy.

USGBC Regional Ethanol Manager for the EU and United Kingdom Stephanie Larson, USGBC Manager of Global Ethanol Programs Emma Freebairn and USGBC Regional Ethanol Consultant for the EU Alberto Carmona represented the Council on the program.

"Attendees collectively represented markets with the potential to increase their current blending levels. Italy already has a bio-gasoline blending mandate in place, while Portugal has expressed interest in utilizing more ethanol to reach E10 blending rates," Larson said.

"This activity sought to strengthen participants' understanding of U.S. farming and sustainability practices, showcasing regenerative agriculture and circular economy principles for sorghum and corn. Similarly, the delegation had an opportunity to learn more about the ethanol industry's infrastructure and demonstrate the economic, environmental and public health benefits resulting from the use of higher ethanol blends."

The team traveled to Garden City where they met with USGBC members Kansas Corn and Murex, along with ethanol producer Conestoga Energy to tour key aspects of the U.S. ethanol value chain, including ethanol plants, farms and dairy and ranch operations to see the wide applications of U.S. ethanol and its co-products.

In Dallas, participants learned about the logistical side of the U.S. ethanol industry, including a fuel terminal tour and a visit to a BNSF facility to observe the transport and handling standards in the U.S. export system. Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer then met with the team during a tour of a major fuel retailer to see U.S. ethanol's broad compatibility with consumer vehicles.

"Participants explored cost and octane value economics, technical and operational blending practices and logistical considerations critical to scaling ethanol use that will help inform their decision making in expanding ethanol use in their own operations and markets," Larson said.

"The Council is committed to being a collaborative and supportive partner in increasing ethanol integration in the EU and has conducted several visits to the region this year to grow the organization's reach and further serve U.S. ethanol exporters internationally."

Learn more about the Council's work in ethanol on the organization's website.