A new study by ABF Economics shows the Minnesota ethanol industry contributed $2.17 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2017.

The industry produced 1.2 billion gallons of ethanol, 3.9 million tons of dried distiller’s grains with solubles and 256 million pounds of corn oil, which in turn generated $7.13 billion in gross sales for the state’s businesses, while supporting nearly 19,000 jobs.

“This study illustrates, once again, the importance of the ethanol industry to Minnesota’s economy,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

The industry in Minnesota has also experienced job growth, with full-time jobs supported by the ethanol industry 11.6 percent higher in 2017 than in 2016, according to the ABF Economics study. Direct spending by ethanol plants also supported jobs in non-agriculture industries like engineering, accounting, rail transportation and others.

The full study is available here.