BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – IL Corn is pleased to announce the inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) conference uniting the state’s stakeholders in the airline, manufacturing, government and agricultural industries.The Illinois Sustainable Aviation Fuel Conference will be held on March 21-22. The event follows the enactment of the first state SAF purchaser credit in June 2023.

“The intersection of Illinois’s robust agriculture industry, aviation hub, and unique tax incentives gives our state a prime location to lead the world in SAF use and production,” IL Corn Growers Association Director, farmer and pilot Chris Gould said. “The event is only the beginning of what Illinois will offer in this sector.”

Experts and policy leaders will discuss the assets and resources Illinois brings to SAF including attracting jobs and investments, demand and logistics, federal and state incentives, SAF producers, and carbon scoring. Agenda Available Here

Why Corn Farmers?

SAF poses a unique opportunity for corn farmers due to the ability to turn ethanol into SAF through a process known as “Alcohol-to-Jet” (ATJ). The conversion increases the number of carbon atoms in ethanol and creates a fuel molecularly identical to petroleum jet fuel. SAF reduces carbon emissions by 50% compared to standard aviation fuel.                                                                                              

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack is expected to discuss on March 1 the Department of Energy’s Argonne GREET Model and the role of corn-based ethanol in federal SAF tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The GREET Model accurately depicts the carbon intensity of transportation fuel produced from corn ethanol.

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About the IL Corn Growers Association
IL Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.