Merle Anderson is 93, the founding father of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and has never missed an ethanol conference and this year was no exception. Anderson gave a few brief words (and told some pretty funny stories) and said that he was very proud of what the ethanol industry had accomplished. He also said that he is very proud of the work that the ACE team has done over the years.
Anderson said he had some stuff on his mind. He said that if you’re going to open up an ethanol plant or begin a new project, you’d better support the sale of the product. “One thing this country’s doesn’t need is more ethanol we can’t sell,” said Anderson who encouraged members to become more involved in efforts like the Biofuels Beltway March.
He also said he felt that farmers could do a better job of supporting the industry and challenged the ethanol industry to do more to encourage their support.
In addition, Anderson encouraged ACE to continue to support higher blends of ethanol including E30, so that the industry can overcome the so-called blend wall.
Listen to Merle Anderson’s remarks here: Merle Anderson on Ethanol