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RFA praises Rural Mainstreet Index’s spotlight on ethanol

The chief economist for the Renewable Fuels Association says the ag economy continues to benefit from growth in the ethanol industry.

Scott Richman tells Brownfield the push to develop more biofuels has a direct impact on rural communities.

“That’s for corn growers in local areas,” he said, “and for people who are employed by ethanol facilities, and businesses in the area.”

Richman says the industry’s performance was recently highlighted by the February Rural Mainstreet Index, a monthly survey of bankers in 10 states. The report found that ethanol was a key contributor to local economies.

“It’s nice to see that a different group – the bankers in rural areas – are seeing the same things,” Richman said. “The ethanol industry really has a positive economic impact.”

Richman says year-round sales of E15 would also help enhance the industry’s economic growth.