As one of America’s most versatile and abundant commodities, corn is positioned as a strategic solution to some of the most critical challenges facing our nation.

The United States already competes for global oil supplies with emerging nations such as China and India. This competition will only heat up—making supplies tighter and driving prices even higher. More ethanol in our fuel supply means less reliance on expensive and volatile imported oil.

Some believe toxic emissions from internal combustion engines continue to be a grave threat to our environment. As the world becomes more focused on climate change, the role of clean-burning fuels such as corn-based ethanol are becoming even more vital.

As petroleum costs have risen, corn-based plastics have become even more economically viable—encouraging food processors, manufacturers and retailers to adopt these biodegradable, eco-friendly products for packaging, containers and other uses.

Corn producers and ethanol producers are embracing new technologies that further improve environmental stewardship and protect our natural resources. The responsible management of new corn hybrids reduces the use of crop protection products—lowering
environmental impact while increasing yields. Ethanol plants recycle most of the water used in the production process. And new technologies are extracting even more value from a single kernel of corn.