Now more than ever, farmers who believe in the future of ethanol need to speak up for it, says Gerald Bachmeier, president of the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association.
Inforum reports that Bachmeier, who also serves as chief executive officer of Red Trail Energy LLC, in Richardton, ND, says there are several key policy goals in play:
- Ensure compliance and continuance to the Renewable Fuel Standard
- EPA should keep the current 15-billion gallon requirement for conventional biofuels like corn ethanol
- The industry should help consumers learn the octane-enhancement benefits of ethanol
Bachmeier says Red Trail Energy is a prime example of what is at stake for American gains with ethanol.
Red Trail Energy started production in January 2007 with 50 million gallons/year. Red Trail now produces ethanol at 64 million gallons/year.
The company owns a share of Renewable Products Marketing Group LLC, based in Shakopee, MN, which markets ethanol for 18 plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. They market 2 billion gallons on a regional basis and are developing ethanol markets in other countries.
