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Farmers, consumers could benefit from year-round E15, CHS CEO says

The CEO of the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative sees farmers and consumers benefiting if Congress can pass year-round nationwide E15.

Jay Debertin with CHS says access to higher ethanol blends would drive down fuel prices and increase corn demand.

“One of which, in terms of today’s energy costs, we look at this as one way to help alleviate some of those high prices. But we also think of it as a way to create more domestic consumption of crops grown in the country.”

He tells Brownfield trade uncertainties underscore the need to grow domestic demand.

“And renewable fuels is one of the largest ways that we do consume domestic crops. And we think going up to an E15 level just is a good move, particularly in the area of corn, that’s good for agriculture.”

Debertin says E15 can play an integral role in reducing U.S. dependency on international markets and help strengthen rural economies.