March 29, 2021
BY Erin Krueger
The U.S. Grains Council has announced it is now accepting applications for its seven Advisory Teams (A-Teams), including the Ethanol A-Team, for the 2021-2023 term. Applications can be submitted through April 30.
USGC members who serve on A-Teams provide USGC staff and its board of directors with insight and guidance on issue-specific topics. In addition to the Ethanol A-Team, the USGC has A-Teams focused on Asia, Innovation and Sustainability, Middle East/Africa/South Asia, Trade Policy, Value-Added, and Western Hemisphere. Members serve two-year terms.
Advertisement
“A-Teams allow members to take a deep dive into specific aspects of the Council’s work and offer substantive ideas as it plans its trajectory on trade issues,” said Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the USGC. “These teams are invaluable to the Council as they embody its overarching trade strategy while also being both rewarding and educational for the members themselves.”
According to the USGC, the Ethanol A-Team is dedicated to expanding the global use and trade of U.S. ethanol and feedstock producers. Ethanol markets are divided into priority markets, second-tier markets and frontier markets. The seven priority markets for ethanol are Brazil, Canada, India, China, Indonesia, Canada and Mexico. The USGC explained that the Ethanol A-Team supports its market development efforts to create and maintain market access in these priority markets. The A-Team also focuses on frontier markets and making inroads for new uses of ethanol, industrial applications and multilateral and academic efforts that support messaging about the benefits of expanded ethanol use.
Advertisement
The incoming USGC chairman is scheduled to announce A-Team appointments before the USGC board of delegates meeting in July. New A-Team members will begin their terms Aug. 6.
Application information and a list of current Ethanol A-Team members is available on the USGC website.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.
The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.
The U.S. exported 31,160.5 metric tons of biodiesel and biodiesel blends of B30 and greater in May, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on July 3. Biodiesel imports were 2,226.2 metric tons for the month.
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency is implementing multiple changes to the Camelina pilot insurance program for the 2026 and succeeding crop years. The changes will expand coverage options and provide greater flexibility for producers.