Corn Growers Disappointed E15 Not Included in Year-End Votes

December 23, 2024

Following votes from Congress on year-end legislation, IL Corn Growers Association President Garrett Hawkins released the following statement:

 

 “Corn growers are deeply disappointed that a permanent, year-round E15 solution was not included in the end-of-year legislation package. This no-cost provision would have provided a market-driven solution to farmers experiencing low corn prices. 

 

“IL Corn is appreciative of House and Senate Agriculture leadership and other champions who worked hard to extend the farm bill and provide needed disaster and economic assistance to farm country. This assistance will help growers reeling from natural disasters and multiple years of low crop prices paired with high input costs. Without a permanent E15 solution, much greater assistance will be needed in the future.”

 

Corn-based ethanol has 45-50 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum-based fuel. In Illinois, our 13 ethanol plants produce 1.84 billion gallons of ethanol annually and employ over 22,000 people, with a total economic output of $11.4 billion.

 

*Economic ethanol impact analysis conducted for the IL Corn Growers Association by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University – Macomb Campus – March 2024

Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More