NCGA targets maritime fuel, aviation and biobased products to grow US corn demand
The National Corn Growers Association says maritime fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and biobased products could create billions of bushels of new demand for US corn as growers face another difficult year.
USA – US corn growers could see strong new market opportunities after the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) released a new report that identifies three industries with the capacity to increase demand for the country’s corn crop.
The report comes as US farmers expect a fourth straight year of financial losses in 2026. At the same time, growers harvested a record 17 billion bushels of corn in 2025, making market growth a key priority for the industry.
According to the NCGA, three sectors offer the biggest opportunity. Maritime fuel could create demand for about 3 billion bushels each year if corn based ethanol captures 10% of the global market.
Sustainable aviation fuel could add another 1.7 billion bushels through ethanol to jet fuel technologies. The association also estimates that biobased products and biomanufacturing could create demand for 6.6 billion bushels if corn replaces petroleum in 10% of the world’s plastics and biochemical products.
“US corn farmers are the most productive and innovative farmers in the world, and the crop they grow deserves markets that match their potential,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and president of the NCGA. “This report is about building the next chapter for corn, not just defending what we have but opening doors to industries that can fuel our energy security, reduce carbon emissions and create lasting demand for America’s crop.”
The NCGA said continued improvements in genetics, farm management and equipment will help growers supply these expanding markets with a reliable and renewable feedstock.
The report points to the maritime industry as one of the biggest opportunities for corn based ethanol. Early vessel testing has shown that ethanol works well in engines designed for methanol.
In aviation, the association said ethanol offers one of the fastest ways to supply feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel. It also expects corn to replace more petroleum based chemicals and plastics in everyday products.
Alongside these new markets, the NCGA reaffirmed its support for existing biofuel and export markets. The association continues to push for year round nationwide access to E15 fuel as its main legislative priority. It also called for the renewal of the US Mexico Canada Agreement and urged policymakers to pursue new export market negotiations.
“Corn is America’s crop,” Bower said. “And with the right opportunities, in the skies, on the seas and in the everyday products Americans use, it can be an integral part of America’s future.”
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