Illinois corn and the work Illinois farmers invest in every day was on full display as a delegation of Japanese journalists toured the U.S. biofuels value chain to better understand how American corn and corn ethanol contribute to a lower-carbon energy future. Their visit included key stops in Illinois, where our farmers, ethanol producers, and checkoff programs demonstrated leadership in sustainable fuel innovation.
The tour, organized by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), brought reporters from major Japanese business outlets to farms, ethanol plants, universities, and national partners to explore ethanol’s growing role as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). With Japan preparing to expand SAF use, this mission helped build confidence in U.S. ethanol as a reliable, low-carbon solution.
After touring farms and renewable fuel facilities in North Dakota, the delegation arrived in Illinois the heart of corn ethanol production.
Representatives from IL Corn shared how farmer checkoff dollars drive research, market development, and international outreach that open doors for long-term demand.
Click here to see more...