NCERC: Driving the Future of Ethanol


By Lyndi Allen April 8, 2026

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.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

Gas station pump display showing unleaded and super unleaded prices on four vintage fuel pumps.
By Lindsay Croke & Lyndi Allen April 27, 2026
IL Corn Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, and your farmer leaders have engaged in an overwhelming amount of E15 negotiations, conversations, and education.
thumbnail of Brady
By Tara Desmond April 23, 2026
IL Corn TV goes live from the field as Brady Gray shares planting season insights, farm life, and advice on staying profitable in today’s ag economy.
U.S. Capitol building under a partly cloudy blue sky, centered front facade with white dome and columns
By Lyndi Allen April 23, 2026
The House of Representatives are schedule to vote on the Farm Bill 2.0 next week. IL Corn is reviewing and monitoring over 300 amendments that were submitted that cover a wide range of topics.
Robbinsm
By Tara Desmond April 23, 2026
Illinois journalists experience immersive full-day on Illinois farms illustrating purposeful conservation practices.
discovery museum
By Tara Desmond April 23, 2026
Corn is in more than you think! New "From the Farm to a Healthy Me" exhibit connects kids from the cornfield to the grocery store through hands-on play.
Agronomy Angle Logo
By Matt Montgomery, Becks April 22, 2026
Black cutworm returns each spring, threatening young corn. Learn risk factors, scouting tips, and when rescue treatments may be needed to protect stands.
Sarah Hastings, Melinda Fourez, Sen. Chapin Rose, Mark Degler, Steve Fourez, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 16, 2026
Illinois farmers came to the state capitol this week to draw attention to the poor farm economy as the planting season begins. Farmers met with their representatives and key legislators
thumbnail of  Phillips
By Tara Desmond April 16, 2026
Illinois Fair Queen Krista Phillips shares how her role goes beyond the crown connecting communities and advocating for agriculture statewide.
Ashley, Lindsay and Laura in DC
By Lindsay Croke April 16, 2026
Lindsay Croke is the IL Corn Director of Communications and Marketing today, but she’s served many roles over her 20+ years at IL Corn and brings a lot of historical perspective of IL Corn’s work and goals to IL Corn TV show as a host. We sat down with Lindsay to figure out how she landed at IL Corn, what the work here has meant to her and to our industry, and why she sticks around.
thumbnail from farmdoc webinar
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Researchers reveal most farmers operate from a single, highly consistent production plan and change it far less often than conservation advisors typically assume.
Show More