ICPB Hosts Ethanol Focused Multi-Country Trade Team

JOHNSTON, Iowa – October 18, 2019 – Earlier this week, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) hosted the first Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. Industry and government officials from 60 countries assembled to learn about advancements in biofuels policies in countries around the world and prospects for expanded global ethanol use. After the Summit, Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) worked with USGC to host a multi-country ethanol-focused trade team in Iowa to see the full production and value chain of corn-based ethanol.

“The Summit highlights policy conversations going on in governments around the world, scientific rationale for the increased use of ethanol and market development opportunities for U.S. ethanol,” said Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains Council president and CEO. “The benefits of ethanol use provide common ground for countries to collaborate as they seek to meet their societal goals.”

During their two-day tour in Iowa, the team visited the Friest Family Farm, Key Cooperative in Nevada, POET Biorefining in Jewell, the Bayer Learning Center in Huxley and had a discussion and visit with Casey’s General Stores. Through these stops, the group learned about grain handling and storage, the latest research in seed technology and precision farming equipment, ethanol production and usage, and were able to see Iowa’s corn harvest firsthand.

“I’ve hosted trade teams before, but their reaction of corn fields and equipment never gets old. It’s always a pleasure to have customers on my farm,” said Iowa Corn Director Denny Friest. “Their visit was well-timed because I am currently harvesting corn, so the team took turns riding along with me. In the cab, I was able to show them the technology used within the combine that displays moisture and yields of the corn crop. I then was able to show them the data I collect on my farm to make better management decisions for my operation.”

Iowa Corn Promotion Board invests checkoff dollars in the U.S. Grain Council, a private, non-profit organization working to develop exports in more than 50 countries from 10 worldwide offices and its Washington, D.C. headquarters. 

For More Information:

Brandi Snyder, Public Relations Manager, bsnyder@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242