Indiana Ag Policy Summit to Address Energy and Biofuels Challenges
The Indiana Ag Policy Summit is bringing together farmers, energy leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of agriculture in the state. The event, hosted by the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee (M&P), will take place on July 29 at The Commons in downtown Columbus.
The summit's focus is on energy and biofuels, with a growing demand for power generation straining Indiana's electrical grid. ICGA President Alan Dunn noted that while farmers often think their work ends when they deliver corn to the ethanol plant, the process just begins. He emphasized the importance of educating growers about issues affecting their partners in the biofuels industry.
State and national leaders will participate in the event, including U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-Dist. 6), Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski, and USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Dr. Scott Hutchins. Panels will discuss state-level energy and agricultural policies, with industry experts sharing their insights.
The core mission of the summit is to empower grassroots agricultural advocacy. ICGA and M&P rely on membership dollars and active producer engagement to lobby for legislative victories, such as pushing for year-round E15 sales and establishing state-level tax credits and retail incentives for higher biofuel blends.