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Consumer education on ethanol an “uphill battle”

A southcentral Minnesota farmer who serves on the National Corn Growers ethanol committee says getting consumers to understand the benefits of the renewable fuel continues to be an uphill battle.

Jerry Demmer of Clarks Grove tells Brownfield NCGA is working to get more ethanol into the marketplace.

“Once the consumer tries E15 for example, and gets it cheaper.  They might say ‘this is ok for my car and I’m saving a few pennies…why not?”

He says NCGA has partnered with Growth Energy and NASCAR in an effort to reach more consumers.

“NASCAR has run 10 million miles (on ethanol) without any engine problems, and that should be a huge statement to the consumer.”

He calls ethanol a clean, home-grown renewable fuel and says it just makes sense for Americans to use it in their vehicles.

Brownfield spoke to Demmer at Commodity Classic in New Orleans.