Fact Sheet:

Renewable Fuels Industry Drives Iowa’s Economy

Prepared for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

Importance of the Renewable Fuels Industry to the Economy of Iowa

By John M. Urbanchuk, Cardno ENTRIX

Economist and technical director of Cardno ENTRIX, John Urbanchuk said, “2011 was a revival year for renewable fuels. Both ethanol and biodiesel industries experienced continued growth in 2011 despite high feedstock and input prices.” Urbanchuk went on to note, “ethanol and biodiesel producers are part of a manufacturing sector that adds substantial value to agriculture commodities produced in Iowa and makes a significant contribution to the Iowa economy.”

By the end of 2011, Iowa’s 41 operating ethanol plants were producing at an annualized rate of 3.7 billion gallons, while Iowa’s 10 operating biodiesel plants were producing at an annualized rate of 264 million gallons. At those rates, Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel production:

• Accounts for nearly $6 billion, or 4 percent, of Iowa GDP;
• Generates $3.7 billion of income for Iowa households; and
• Supports more than 82,000 jobs through the entire Iowa economy.

      *Based on 2011 statistics  

Complete study at:  www.iowarfa.org/documents/2012IowaEconomicImpact.pdf