DELAWARE, Ohio— Strengthening relationships and providing valuable insights to a key trading partner were top priorities for Karyn Forman, a representative of the Ohio Corn Checkoff Board of Directors, during a recent U.S.–Philippine trade mission focused on advancing ethanol and feed grain collaboration.
Forman joined representatives from the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), the Philippines Department of Agriculture, and industry leaders to explore how U.S. corn can help the Philippines enhance energy independence and strengthen rural economies.
“This mission underscored how collaboration between U.S. and Philippine agriculture can benefit farmers on both sides of the Pacific,” said Forman. “The Philippines is actively working toward an E20 fuel standard, and that shift creates tremendous potential to expand both ethanol and feed grain markets.”
These important meetings coincided with the Philippine National Corn Congress, the country’s largest gathering of corn farmers. After the event, the delegation visited Isabela Province, a top corn-producing area, to tour ethanol plants and meet with local farmers.
During the mission, Philippine leaders expressed a strong interest in boosting domestic ethanol production with U.S. investment in infrastructure and technology. Currently, U.S. ethanol helps meet the country’s E10 requirement. Moving to E20 would more than double demand to 360 million gallons, creating new opportunities.
“By partnering on biofuels development, Ohio Corn growers gain a trade partner committed to growing ethanol demand for the long term,” commented Forman.
The U.S.–Philippine agricultural relationship continues to grow following a recent trade agreement that expands market access for U.S. agricultural products, including ethanol and DDGs. Trade missions like this help maintain that momentum.
A photo gallery from the trade mission is available for download.
