Originally published by the National Corn Growers Association:

Being immersed in the latest ideas and technology related to machinery, crop inputs and agronomic practices is expected at the annual Commodity Classic, February 27-March 1, 2018 in Anaheim, Calif. But this year’s attendees are in for a treat as they get a sneak peek at the best emerging ideas in new uses for corn.

Attendees have an open invitation to see the announcement of the winning research and product concepts surfaced via the National Corn Growers Association’s inaugural Consider Corn Challenge. The Challenge is a global competition to identify new and innovative uses for field corn as a renewable feedstock in the production of sustainable chemicals with significant market demand.

This year’s six winning projects will be announced and previewed in room 210 ABC of the Anaheim Convention Center on Wednesday, February 28, from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Each winner will receive a US$25,000 cash prize.  NCGA will also explore additional opportunities to support contest entries throughout their development and/or commercialization.

“This challenge is geared to inspire new concepts, approaches and technologies that will help drive innovation and corn’s value. The growing productive capacity of corn farmers makes it essential that we continue to find innovative new ways to use this versatile crop,” said Bruce Peterson, chairman of NCGA’s Feed Food and Industrial Action Team. “The Consider Corn Challenge definitely shows we haven’t even come close to tapping the potential for corn or the inspiration of scientists and business people to utilize the crop.”

Growing interest in America’s emerging bioeconomy and continued improvements in sustainable corn production underscore the versatility and potential of this crop and opens a pathway for new markets, says Peterson, a farmer from Northfield, Minnesota.  The “Consider Corn Challenge” is a starting point to help industry realize corn’s full potential.  This year’s contest generated 35 submissions from eight countries along with nearly 4,500 website visits from 82 countries.

U.S. Corn represents a large consistent feedstock that has the potential to be play a big role in the growing bioeconomy.  Corn sourced, renewable biochemicals possess the ability to compete directly on performance and cost-based metrics vs. petroleum-based inputs.