Last week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Chairman Mark Wilson and Council members traveled to London to join a mission including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins that focused on expanding ethanol use in on-road and aviation fuel.
Wilson was joined in the United Kingdom (U.K.) by representatives from Council members ADM, Eco-Energy, Growth Energy, Marquis Energy Global, Murex, POET and the Renewable Fuels Association.
“I’m always proud to see our membership be so involved in Council programming and this was an important opportunity for the U.S. ethanol industry to contribute its perspective on the trade relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.,” Wilson said.
The team arrived at the U.S. embassy with USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg and then participated in a roundtable discussion with Secretary Rollins, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens and other members of the U.S. ethanol industry.
Outside of meetings with USDA leadership, the Council’s delegation also met with major players in the U.K. energy industry including Sustainable Aviation UK, a leading coalition advocating for increased integration of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Renewable Energy Association, a trade association partnering with businesses leading the energy transition.
“The U.K. is gradually raising its mandate for SAF inclusion, and as an important export market for U.S. producers, it’s vital to keep legislative barriers for biofuel trade low,” Wilson said.
“Continuing a healthy trade relationship generates consistent demand for the U.S. agricultural industry and helps the U.K. meet its carbon emission targets, and the Council thanks Secretary Rollins for her dedication to growing U.S. ethanol exports globally.”
Learn more about the Council’s work in the United Kingdom here.