Coronavirus is Latest Threat to Ethanol Industry

The impact that coronavirus is having on the energy markets is just the latest threat to the solvency of the U.S. ethanol industry, coming on top of weather, trade disputes and small refinery waivers that hurt producers last year.

In a media conference call Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association leaders discussed the impact of these hits on ethanol producers and the communities and customers they serve.

Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association – actions needed to avert potential industry collapse
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper (4:27)

Jeanne McCaherty, CEO, Guardian Energy Management; Vice Chairman, RFA – employees are most important
Jeanne McCaherty, Guardian Energy (5:20)

Randy Doyal, CEO, Al-Corn Clean Fuel; RFA Board Member – impact on industry “not going to be good”
Randy Doyal, Al-Corn Clean Fuel (4:28)

Chad Friese, General Manager, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.; Board Member, RFA – plants producing hand sanitizer
Chad Friese, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (3:25)

Scott Richman, Chief Economist, RFA – looks at current economic state of the industry
RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman (4:16)

Full audio of press call:
RFA call ethanol industry coronavirus impact (54:33)