The National Corn Growers Association and Renewable Fuels Association last week hosted Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulators from the California Air Resources Board and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, along with representatives of leading environmental non-profit organizations for a Midwest tour of corn-growing and ethanol decarbonization technologies.
The tour was designed for individuals who already have a working understanding of ethanol but who want to learn more about the research, innovation and investment in the science of growing corn and producing ethanol firsthand.
Tour participants were able to hear from farmers and see advances in corn production practices. They learned how farm production practices already help reduce the carbon intensity of ethanol and how corn production can provide additional decarbonization benefits, including sequestering carbon in the soil.
Tour stops included Siouxland Ethanol in Jackson, Neb., and Elite Octane in Atlantic, Iowa, as well as farms in Nebraska and Iowa participating in the Soil Health Partnership, NCGA’s farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health, benefiting farmer profitability, a stable food supply, and the environment.
NCGA First Vice President Kevin Ross and his family hosted the final tour stop at their farm in Minden, Iowa where participants discussed the latest developments for decarbonizing farm and ethanol production technologies and processes.
Moving forward, NCGA plans to continue to build better relationships and productive dialog with tour participants for the benefit of farmers.
