A new study shows Minnesota’s ethanol industry contributed $2.1 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2024, with 1.4 billion gallons of production generating $5.2 billion in economic activity and supported 18,434 jobs in the state.

“We know that ethanol produced in Minnesota is making our state more energy secure by displacing foreign imports and cleaning up our air because ethanol lowers greenhouse gas emissions. This report makes clear that the ethanol industry is also contributing to our economy through crop purchases, job creation, and state and local taxes,” said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

The study, conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension, also found the industry produced several valuable co-products including 4.13 million tons of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) and 463.8 million pounds of corn oil.

Of the $5.2 billion in economic activity generated in 2024, the study said $2.8 billion was generated from ethanol plants. The remaining $2.4 billion in economic activity, it said, were realized by industries in Minnesota involved in wholesale trade, crop production, real estate, utilities, professional and technical services.

The study said Minnesota’s ethanol industry generated $1.2 billion in income for Minnesota’s residents and paid $157.6 million in state and local taxes in 2024.