Corn Growers: We’re Ready To Help Reduce Tailpipe Emissions

May 19, 2023

By Agri-Pulse

A Kansas farmer used a House hearing Wednesday to make the case that EPA’s plan to slash tailpipe emissions ignores the part that ethanol should play. “The agricultural and liquid fuels industry stand at the ready to assist in reducing air pollution.

Unfortunately, current and proposed EPA rules prevent us from being a part of the solution and adversely impact low income and rural citizens across the United States,” Josh Roe, CEO of the Kansas Corn Growers Association, told the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. While electric vehicles will play a vital role in achieving carbon neutrality, “complementary alternatives such as biofuels have a role to play but are being pushed aside,” Roe said.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.