The National Corn Growers Association brought the interests of America’s corn farmers to the table yesterday for a lively discussion of federal activity impacting ethanol and gasoline markets during the National Ethanol Conference. The 19th annual event hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association brought together a diverse group of interests to examine the legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry in Washington today.
NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett brought insight into situations with a potential impact on corn ethanol demand and thus on corn farmers. The panel, which was moderated by RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen, also included Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Federal Government Affairs Vice President Shane Karr, American Petroleum Institute Downstream and Industry Operations Group Director Bob Greco, DuPont Federal Government Affairs Senior Manager Aaron Whitesel and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute President and CEO Kris Kiser.
“The panel certainly included a diversity of opinions on the debate over proposed ethanol volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2014.” said Doggett. “The panelists certainly did not come to a resolution over the best course moving forward. I do think we provided the audience with some insight as to how these positions are advocated in DC and how the current political situation impacts that effort.”
The conference, which began Monday, brings together more than 1,000 ethanol industry stakeholders from 41 states and 21 countries. Other topics of discussion included: co-products marketplace opportunities; expanding the global ethanol marketplace; presenting the ethanol business case to fuel retailers; and a variety of perspectives on the impacts of the RFS on the future of the overall ethanol industry.
