NCERC: Driving the Future of Ethanol

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biotechnologies, including biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and products. NCERC's business model is similar to a Contract Research Organization and allows for a range of technology testing and product development.



This week, Representative Katie Stuart and Illinois farmers visited NCERC for a tour, to learn about its expansion plans, and interview Illinois farmers. The visit followed IL Corn’s previous meeting with Rep. Stuart on Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, where NCERC and its future were discussed. She also filed an appropriation in the House Rule Committee for funding the expansion of NCERC on that day.

During the interviews at NCERC, Rep. Stuart remarked, “This isn’t your usual backdrop for an interview or place to interact with farmers. That in itself shows the importance of the work done here and how much NCERC means to our Illinois corn farmers.”

What started as an idea from the IL Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in 2003 has grown into a center that leads national renewable fuel research and has become a cornerstone for corn demand. NCERC continues to push boundaries with new advancements in ethanol production.

Building on existing state and federal investments in Southern Illinois, this project would establish the first low-cost, low-carbon intensity conversion demonstration plant in the United States for producing cellulosic ethanol. The facility would be feedstock agnostic, supporting the alcohol-to-jet pathway for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

“I want to thank Representative Katie Stewart for supporting initiatives like this.” said Waterloo, Illinois farmer and ICGA leader, Chad Dillenberger. “NCERC is critical to the future of farming, the future of the farm industry in general. The role that NCERC plays in finding efficient, new, breakthrough uses for corn. It really helps stabilize, grow the farm industry, and develop new markets for corn.”

IL Corn continually advocates for innovative ways to help farmers at the state and federal level but is especially focused during the current poor farm economy. Join our call-to-action alert system to amplify your voice to get this bill over the finish line.