Mark Belter, a director with the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, says year-round nationwide access to E15 remains a critical opportunity to expand corn demand, even as producers wait on congressional action.
In an interview with Corryn La Rue of the American Ag Network, Belter said allowing E15 sales throughout the year would help move additional bushels of corn without creating a mandate.
“It’ll be a lot of demand,” Belter said, noting E15 is “certainly a starting point to move more bushels” and help work through what he described as a current glut of corn supplies.
Belter said broader adoption will also depend on consumer education, pointing out that many drivers still do not understand what E15 is or the benefits of using it, even when it is priced lower than other fuel options.
“I often see people that can put it in their tank and they don’t,” he said. “It’s a nickel cheaper and they maybe don’t know what it is.”
Beyond supporting corn demand, Belter said E15 also plays a role in moderating fuel prices while continuing to meet consumer energy needs. He added that corn growers are also fuel consumers, underscoring the importance of balancing energy and agricultural markets.
On the policy front, Belter acknowledged growing frustration among producers as Congress works through a proposed E15 working group and revised timelines for year-round approval. He described the process as a cycle of optimism followed by delays but said there is renewed hope lawmakers may reach a conclusion soon.
“You get excited and think, hey, we got it. And then it kind of goes away and comes back,” Belter said, adding he hopes clarity will come by the end of the month.
Belter also addressed the 45Z tax credit, which provides incentives tied to low-carbon fuel production. While he said he had not reviewed the most recent details, he emphasized the importance of the credit for sustainable aviation fuel markets.
“That’s a big deal for the aviation fuel, especially,” he said, pointing to growing demand on the West Coast and in Europe, where airlines face increasing penalties for using higher-emission fuels.
Looking ahead, Belter said discussions around E15 and 45Z are expected to continue later this month at the Commodity Classic, where national corn, soybean, and sorghum organizations convene. He said the event provides an opportunity for deeper coordination across commodity groups and hopes there will be additional policy developments by then.
Belter said progress on E15 and 45Z could help move more agricultural products through the pipeline and provide needed momentum for corn growers.
Listen to Corryn La Rue’s interview with Mark Belter here.
