Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
March 19, 2014

• Industry, ethanol producer and grower perspectives shared
• Panel explores Renewable Fuel Standard policy and the positive impact of biofuels on the economy and the environment
• Growers urged to advocate for continuation of RFS policy, as implemented in 2013

Syngenta recently hosted an industry conversation about biofuels and the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The event, held at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, brought together leaders representing industry, ethanol producer and grower perspectives.

At the event, Syngenta introduced a new documentary video entitled, “Ethanol: Fueling Rural America’s Future – One Community at a Time,” to help communicate the ethanol industry’s positive impact on the U.S. economy and American energy independence.

“Ethanol is helping America reduce its dependence on foreign oil, lowering prices at the pump, improving the environment with lower emissions, and growing the economy with jobs that can't be outsourced,” said Jack Bernens, head of marketing and stakeholder relations for Enogen® trait technology at Syngenta. “Our goal in hosting this event was to address challenges that the biofuels industry and RFS are facing, and recommend ways growers can be proactive in helping to save American biofuels and keep the RFS intact.”

Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol, said that corn growers are the No. 1 ally of the ethanol industry. "Without their investment in some of these farmer-owned plants – and the renewable crop we use to turn into food, feed and fuel every day – we would be nowhere."

He urged growers to stay involved in the fight to protect the RFS. "Remain engaged," Jennings said. "Get your neighbors and friends involved. We have a positive story to tell about the human good that ethanol does, and we need to continue to tell it in a compelling way."

James Doxtad, a corn grower from Holstein, Iowa, said that ethanol provides a better market for corn, and a cleaner environment and energy security for everyone. "Ethanol enables American farmers to play an important part in providing a cleaner, greener fuel and a more secure energy source," he said. “It’s amazing how many people out there are unaware of the advantages of ethanol. Ethanol is a good thing. We’re producing a good product, and we’re doing it for a good reason.”

In addition, panelist John Fuher, director of government affairs for Growth Energy, offered a legislative perspective of the RFS and explained how his group is making strides to help preserve the future of ethanol by representing the producers and supporters who help feed the world and fuel America.

Delayne Johnson, chief executive officer of Quad County Corn Processors shared his passion for the ethanol industry, as well, describing the positive impact it has had on his local economy and the livelihood of corn growers in his community.

Syngenta is a leader in the quest for affordable and sustainable renewable fuels. Enogen trait technology from Syngenta is the industry’s only corn output trait bioengineered specifically to enhance ethanol production. Enogen corn creates a win-win-win situation by adding value for ethanol plants, corn growers and rural communities.

Contributing to both food and fuel production, ethanol is making a significant contribution to the U.S. economy, helping to drive down gasoline prices for consumers and reduce carbon emissions for a cleaner environment.

For more information about Enogen trait technology, visit www.Enogen.net, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Website: http://www.syngenta-us.com

Published: March 19, 2014