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Economists say E15 expansion could raise corn prices and lower fuel costs

The chief economist with the National Corn Growers Association says the industry continues to await further guidance on nationwide, year-round, E-15 from the Congressional Rural Domestic Energy Council.

Krista Swanson tells Brownfield…

“Unfortunately, the council had a first deadline of February 15th, and that has come and gone, and we haven’t really heard a lot.”  She says, “We’re still pushing hard to advocate our position. We need E15.”

AUDIO: Krista Swanson – NCGA

Danny Munch, economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says increasing corn demand through higher ethanol blends would help the slumping ag economy.

“It not only increases demand for our farmers, but it decreases prices for consumers.”  He says, “In an administration that’s really looked at the consumer side of the equation in addition to the farmers, they want to show that they’re reducing costs for consumers. This is one of the ways that they can.”

Swanson says NCGA studies show consumers would save up to 25-cents per gallon through greater E15 accessibility.

“That could be huge for consumers who are also in tough, challenging economic times.”  She says, “It’s good for the economy in general. It’s also good for the environment. So, you have all of these wins, and so it just adds to the frustration.”

She says despite the missed deadline, NCGA remains optimistic the Council can deliver nationwide E15 legislation by the end of the month.

Brownfield spoke with both at the Illinois Farm Bureau’s 2026 Governmental Affairs & Leadership Conference in Springfield.

AUDIO: Danny Munch – AFBF