Industry and government officials from more than 15 countries in the Western Hemisphere got together last week at the Ethanol Summit of the Americas in Houston to discuss current and future opportunities for ethanol in the region.

The Summit was sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, working together to promote the global use of ethanol and U.S. ethanol exports.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said the Summit highlighted the use of ethanol in transportation fuels to help improved air quality, extend the current fuel supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The United States is the world’s top ethanol exporter, providing countries around the globe with an alternative to toxic gasoline additives and helping to reduce air pollution,” said Skor. “Removing unnecessary barriers that impede free trade of ethanol and DDGS will not only benefit consumers in the United States but throughout the world.“Removing unnecessary barriers that impede free trade of ethanol and DDGS will not only benefit consumers in the United States but throughout the world.” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor comments on Ethanol Summit

The two-day conference also included technical presentations on ethanol-related policies, infrastructure and use in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada and Paraguay.

“This event is well-timed because dialogue and improved relationships among the hemisphere’s ethanol leadership is desperately needed right now to stem the growing scourge of protectionism that will only thwart our united efforts to expand this important industry and address pressing regional energy and environmental priorities,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “If we are ever going to be a successful international industry and compete effectively with petroleum across the globe, you don’t do that by implementing protectionist measures, you do that with free and fair trade.” RFA CEO Bob Dinneen comments on ethanol trade in the Americas

The United States set an all-time high for ethanol exports in the 2016/2017 marketing year at 1.37 billion gallons (488 million bushels in corn equivalent), exceeding the previous record set in 2011/2012.