USGBC hosts E.U., U.K. and Canadian trade team at Indiana farms after the Global Ethanol Summit 

By Emma Dostal 

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) sent 12 trade teams to corn-growing and ethanol-producing states to visit the U.S. ethanol value chain as part of Global Ethanol Summit 2025 (GES). 

Trade teams offer opportunities for attendees to see the quality of U.S. agricultural products, connect with farmers and ask questions to address potential concerns while building new business relationships. Delegates apply this information to future business practices upon return to their countries while often serving as advocates for U.S. agricultural practices and products. 

USGBC invited a trade team from the EU, U.K. and Canada to visit Indiana. The participants represented key markets for U.S. ethanol exports including high-level representatives from government agencies, ethanol associations and private sector organizations. 

“This initiative sought to facilitate an in-depth technical dialogue and strategic engagement to support the stabilization and expansion of ethanol in these markets,” said Stephanie Larson, USGBC Regional Ethanol Manager for the E.U., U.K. and Canada. 

“Participants had the opportunity to explore cost and octane value economics, technical and operational blending practices and logistical considerations critical to scaling ethanol use. The post-tour strengthened participants’ understanding of the U.S. ethanol industry’s infrastructure, along with the economic, environmental and health benefits resulting from the use of higher blends.” 

The trade team began with a visit to the Triple S Smith farm in Windfall, Ind., where attendees learned about production, watched the corn harvest process and rode in the combine. 

The delegation’s next stop was the POET ethanol plant in Alexandria. The visit featured a presentation on ethanol production, adherence to sustainability practices and the plant’s plans for further lowering carbon intensity scores. The delegates toured the facilities and observed trailers delivering product. 

The team then met with corn growers at Double Ridge Farms in Hartford City, Ind., where they got another look at corn harvest – this time in a field located a few miles away from the Triple S Farm but with higher levels of corn moisture. The different conditions were helpful for the trade team delegates to observe as part of the process for corn storage and drying for ethanol. 

The first day ended with a visit to a Family Express retail store to discuss E10 and E15 policies in the U.S. and how ethanol is distributed. This location featured E85, and delegates compared prices between E85, E15, E10 and gasoline.  

The final day of the trade team began with a visit to the U.S. Energy blending terminal where attendees learned about the blending process. Attendees toured the terminal and observed real-world implementation of flexible blending options at the rack with trucks arriving to pick up orders of E10, E15 and E85.  

The team concluded with a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum where delegates learned about the role of ethanol in racing cars and viewed a variety of models throughout the newly renovated museum. The tour concluded with a trip to the racetrack. 

Trade teams strengthen ties between U.S. agriculture and the global market – building long-lasting relationships that help the Council achieve its mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.