Phoenix, AZ – Members of Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, were presented with a detailed presentation today about the future market outlook for grain, ethanol and distillers from experts during the fourth and final roundtable discussion at the Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference.
The roundtable was moderated by Green Plains Renewable Energy CEO Todd Becker and included guest speakers Randy Ives, Senior Vice President of Distillers Grains, Hawkeye Gold, LLC, Tom Dorr, President and CEO of U.S. Grains Council and Bob Casper, President of POET Ethanol Products.
The roundtable highlighted the major economic indicators regarding the U.S. grain, ethanol and distillers industry for 2010 as well as how agriculture and ethanol can continue to have marketing successes in 2010 despite policy and market hurdles.
“In energy and in food there are huge opportunities but the challenge that the industry is dealing with are very intimately related to international trade policy,” said Dorr. “As producers build out their industry they have to expand their focus to incorporate international trade policies. These policies are not easy but there are huge opportunities just waiting to be tapped.”
“Distillers grains are not just a byproduct, they are a co-product and we need to start running our businesses under that assumption,” said Ives. He said the industry needs to continue promoting DDGs and educating the public about its value.
Today’s discussion concluded the roundtables for Growth Energy’s first ever Executive Leadership Conference.
“We are very grateful to all of the moderators and speakers for leading intelligent and thought provoking roundtable discussions, but even more, we are thankful to have members that are deeply committed to the fight for renewable, sustainable ethanol,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.