Farmers on the front lines

American farmers were asked to step up and provide a renewable solution to our energy needs in 2005, as the United States fought two wars and struggled with dependence on foreign oil. I was one of those many farmers who embraced the challenge that would develop into the biofuel industry we have today.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not only a humanitarian crisis, but a disruption of the flow of food and energy around the world. Now, like then, we are ready for the challenge of supporting our country by providing both food and fuel. I was proud to join fellow Iowa farmers, rural leaders, and representatives of farm groups when President Joe Biden recently visited Iowa to call on farmers to again lead in solving some of the biggest challenges facing our nation and world. Joined by Representative Axne and state and national agricultural leaders at Poet’s ethanol plant in Menlo, it was clear Biden understands the opportunity for the White House and Congress to work together to support farmers and rural Americans.

Iowa farmers and our farm organizations have worked hard to build a strong ethanol industry. This has benefitted not only farmers, but consumers and the nation as a whole by reducing our dependence on foreign energy, cleaning our air, and reducing our carbon footprint. The Biden-Harris administration believes that farmers like me can step up and produce a safe, reliable supply of food, fiber and fuel.

Biden’s support of our industry by allowing year-round use of E15, investment and research into ethanol as sustainable aviation fuel, and the continuing investments in biofuels infrastructure through the USDA show his commitment to ethanol playing a role in our sustainable energy future.

Biden also recommitted to continued investments in the infrastructure we depend on to grow what the world needs. We rely on sound roads and bridges to get our products to market. We rely on efficient ports, locks and dams to get those products moved to our customers around the world. The investment in our nation’s infrastructure by the Biden administration will make certain we regain our advantage in world trade.

Broadband is critical to competing in the 21st century. Rural areas need this important resource to not only survive economically, but to thrive. The Biden-Harris administration is laying the groundwork for all rural Americans to have access to reliable broadband.

To grow our rural communities, we need the resources to develop the unique opportunities that exist in rural America. This administration's rural agenda does just that. President Biden is showing that governing is about more than politics. It’s about having a real, positive impact on the lives of citizens.

Biden’s announcement in Iowa to farmers and rural leaders like me made an important statement about his vision of success for rural America. We appreciate his recognition that rural Americans are central to the resiliency and strength of this country. We stand ready to increase America’s fuel supply with home-grown, clean burning ethanol.

Mark Recker farms in Arlington, is past president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and was appointed earlier this year to serve on the USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee in Iowa.