Last week Executive Director Adam Birr joined a group of state corn executives on a U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council mission trip to Ottawa, Canada to learn more about Canada’s Clean Fuels Regulations (CFR). The CFR has been a significant driver for biofuels demand in Canada.
Due in part to Minnesota’s proximity to our neighbors to the north, over 99% of the state’s ethanol exports are destined for Canada. The federal government is formulating targeted amendments near-term and a broader review of CFR in 2027. One of their goals is to increase use of domestic feedstock including biodiesel derived from canola oil as many of their farmers are facing challenges with exports markets such as China.
The USGBC delegation met with federal offices that have a connection to the CFR. For instance, representatives from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) discussed their role in the development and implementation of Canada’s CFR much like the role of the USEPA in the RFS.