A new S&P Global Energy study released today shows how expanded biofuel markets are a catalyst for agriculture, revitalizing farm communities, stabilizing farm incomes, and providing both food and energy security.

Commissioned by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA), the research, titled “Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst,” offers a detailed, evidence‑based assessment of agriculture’s future and presents a data-driven roadmap for sustainable growth.

“This research demonstrates that biofuels are not just an energy solution—they’re an economic engine that could transform farming’s future,” said Maryland farmer Chip Bowling, Vice Chair of USFRA. “New evidence offered by highly respected experts at S&P Global Energy show that biofuels can unlock agriculture’s potential to provide abundant and affordable food, feed and fuel.”

USFRA held a press conference to announce the findings of the report, with comments from Bowling, as well as CEO Kevin Burkum, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN), and Kelsey Barnes, USDA Senior Advisor for Rural Development and Biofuels.

Sen. Grassley said the findings show the importance of year-round, nationwide E15. “The report that you are releasing will help grow momentum to get E-15 through the Senate and through the President’s desk. Enacting E-15 is a perfect way to celebrate America’s 250th years of freedom,” said Grassley.

Going off his prepared remarks, the senior senator from Iowa blasted those who came out against the E15 legislation passed by the House despite never being opposed in the past. “We have never heard anything from small refineries. And we never heard from the American Soybean Association that they didn’t like certain things in it,” Grassley said, expressing frustration at the limited time frame left this year to get a vote in the Senate. “But we got to move, and it’s almost too late now if we don’t get some action. So anything you can do to help, and this report is going to help, I’m going to say God bless you.”

Under an optimized high-growth scenario, the study projects global biofuel production, driven by agricultural innovation, could triple by 2050, expanding renewable fuels to capture a significantly larger share of the approximately 940-billion-gallon global liquid fuel market – including marine and aviation fuels.

Kevin Lindemer with S&P Global Energy says the study showed E15 is important for increasing corn demand. “By 2050, E15 would represent about six million (more) acres of corn,” said Lindemer. However, declining oil demand means that will still fall short.

At the same time, technology and innovation advances could dramatically increase ethanol production in the same time period. “We could go from the current level of about 35 billion gallons worldwide up to 140 billion gallons by 2050…if supply could create demand.”

Learn more about the study in Lindemer’s comments.
USFRA biofuels report - Kevin Lindemer (15:32)

Read the report.

Watch the full press conference on the USFRA YouTube channel.