NCGA Releases Demand Strategy for U.S. Corn’s Next 250 Years

The National Corn Growers Association today released a new report outlining a strategy to secure new demand for American corn. As farmers face a projected fourth consecutive year of losses in 2026, NCGA is setting a course toward markets that could collectively unlock demand for billions of additional bushels of corn annually.

The report identifies three new high-growth sectors where NCGA looks to compete:

• Maritime Fuels: Securing 10% of the global maritime fuel market fueled by corn-based ethanol would equate to 3 billion bushels of annual new demand.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Securing 10% of the global SAF market fueled by ethanol-to-jet technologies would represent 1.7 billion bushels of annual demand.

• Biobased Products and Biomanufacturing: Securing 10% of the global biochemical and biobased product market, with corn-based feedstocks capable of replacing the petroleum in 10% of the world's plastics would total 6.6 billion bushels of potential demand.

"U.S. corn farmers are the most productive and innovative farmers in the world, and the crop they grow deserves markets that match their potential," said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and president of the National Corn Growers Association. "This report is about building the next chapter for corn - not just defending what we have but opening doors to industries that can fuel our energy security, reduce carbon emissions and create lasting demand for America's crop."

The report comes as U.S. corn farmers produced a record crop of 17 billion bushels in 2025.

A Strategy for New Demand

NCGA has set its sights on capturing 10% of three key markets that are largely untapped for corn growers right now; each market presents significant, long-lasting demand opportunities. With anticipated continued production growth thanks to ongoing advancements in genetics, management practices, and equipment innovations, U.S. corn farmers can meet the moment by providing a consistent, domestically produced, renewable feedstock for each of the target markets.

The maritime sector represents one of the largest untapped opportunities for corn-based ethanol. Early vessel testing has demonstrated that ethanol can operate effectively in methanol-designed engines.

For the aviation industry, ethanol presents one of the most immediately scalable domestic feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel production.

In biobased products and biomanufacturing, NCGA sees corn as the plant-based solution to replace petroleum-derived chemicals and plastics.

Building on Existing Priorities

The report also reinforces NCGA's ongoing commitment to on-road biofuels and export market growth. Year-round, nationwide access to E15 remains the association's top near-term legislative priority. On trade, NCGA is urging the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, plus a renewed focus on new market access negotiations.

"Corn is America's crop," Bower said. "And with the right opportunities - in the skies, on the seas, and in the everyday products Americans use - it can be an integral part of America's future."

Specific strategies for advancing corn-grower access to each of these markets can be found in the report.