FARMER RECOGNIZED FOR COMMITMENT TO ETHANOL

Lindsay Mitchell

Dec 12, 2016  |  ICGA

Bloomington, IL – Bob Fitzpatrick, retired Illinois farmer and former leader of the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA), was recognized today for his work in support of the ethanol industry.   He was presented with the Ethanol Award which seeks to celebrate the contributions of individuals that promote the ethanol industry.

“Bob Fitzpatrick left his mark on the Illinois ethanol industry during his tenure on the ICGA board.  He was always willing to stand up for Illinois corn farmers, for the Illinois ethanol industry, and for what he knew was right.  We are so grateful for his commitment to ICGA,” said Jeff Jarboe, ICGA President and Loda, IL farmer.

Fitzpatrick joined the ICGA board in 1986 as an At-Large Director (representing the entire state), but ran for District I director in 1989 and represented counties in Northern Illinois until he retired from the board in 1995.  Fitzpatrick served as President of ICGA in 1994.

Among his most notable accomplishments during his nine-year term on the ICGA board, Fitzpatrick testified repeatedly at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearings in Washington, D.C., and Chicago to secure the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for ten percent ethanol blends (E10). 

He also worked to secure a role for E10 in the reformulated gasoline markets like Chicago.  Chicago’s example using E10 to improve air quality moved ethanol blends into the marketplace all over the country.

Fitzpatrick also led investigations into the feasibility of ethanol in Avgas, the fuel for small airplanes.

He could always be counted on for new ideas, out of the box thinking, and a wholehearted commitment to the work of the ICGA.

Fitzpatrick and his wife Nancy relocated to Texas after his retirement from the farm in Custer Park.