Even though the current climate in Washington has the future of biofuels in limbo, there is much coming from the work done by those who pioneered this industry decades ago. By looking at more of what our crops are capable of, beyond feeding and clothing the world, we are finding more capabilities and more uses for bioengineered products. Each product that comes down the pipeline not only reduces our need for petroleum products, it also produces products that are better for the planet and doesn?t leave lasting environmental scars when we discard them.
So, even if the support for biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel looks shaky at best in the Administration, know that these industries are helping create up a brighter future for America and the world.
Doug Berven is Vice President of Corporate Affairs for POET Biorefining. POET has 33 bioprocessing facilities in eight states around the United States. They produce about three billion gallons of ethanol on an annual basis. Berven says that as significant as that is, it is only the platform from which the future of biotechnology has been launched. He gives us a broad overview of products making their way into the research arena, and what has launched and is launching in the supply chain. This is much more than fuel and feed products. He adds that agriculture is poised to handle the world?s most pressing issues.
Biofuels is more than just ethanol and biodiesel. It is just the beginning of where we can go with fueling the future. He looks at how ethanol is slowly chipping away at the production gap with petroleum and oil.
Berven talks about how ethanol can narrow that gap even further. That is going to take marketing, infrastructure, and most importantly, policy.
Berven concludes by saying that corn is ?nature?s battery?, and that we need to take advantage of its capabilities. It has a promising future for the planet, and we have only just begun to tap its potential.
Editor’s Note: During the KIIC Cornbelt Cow/Calf Conference in Ottumwa, last month, the Iowa Corn Growers Association hosted a reception in which the beverages were served in plastic cups that were made completely from corn. This means when they are discarded, they will break down and not hurt the environment. These cups are ready to make their splash in the marketplace.
