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Corn, soybean groups to set national policy priorities

Opening doors to more ethanol and biodiesel use is dominating conversations among corn and soybean groups at Commodity Classic.

Missouri Corn Growers President Jay Schutte tells Brownfield the top corn policy priority is the Next Generation Fuels Act which would increase ethanol quality by setting a 98 ron standard in the U.S.

“That can only be achieved by increasing ethanol blends,” Schutte said. “There’s a no backsliding provision in there so the oil companies cannot increase aromatics – things that are very harmful to humans. As I understand it, you can actually drink alcohol.”

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Vice President Bob Worth says stabilizing the Renewable Fuels Standard is critical for soybean growers.

“We know that the RFS is the law, because Congress passed that law,” he said. “Now, EPA is always constantly trying to change it; we need to get this back to where it’s supposed to be.”

Brownfield interviewed Schutte and Worth at Commodity Classic in New Orleans.