Earth Day 2026: True sustainability is a journey
This week as we celebrate Earth Day, we at Minnesota Corn are reflecting on efforts to create a more sustainable, prosperous future for the state’s agricultural communities. At Minnesota Corn, we believe true sustainability is a journey grounded in the three interconnected pillars of People, Planet, and Profit.
Each year, Minnesota corn farmers make significant investments in each of these pillars. They support the people and organizations at the heart of a sustainable and resilient food system through long-standing partnerships and targeted investments. They advance science-based, practical farming systems that protect natural resources and enhance environmental stewardship. And they drive market growth by investing in ethanol promotion, infrastructure, and advocacy; expanding export markets for corn, corn products, and animal protein; and commercializing innovative corn-based products.
By aligning People, Planet, and Profit, Minnesota Corn is charting a path toward a more resilient agricultural future—one where farmers thrive, communities prosper, and natural resources are safeguarded for generations. You can find more information about these three interconnected pillars in our 2025 Sustainability Report or by visiting our Sustainability Resources webpage.
Thank you, corn farmers, for all that you do to provide a sustainable, prosperous future for Minnesota agriculture! The following is a summary of Minnesota Corn’s efforts within each of the three pillars.
People
Minnesota Corn invested in people, education, and communities to strengthen the foundation of Minnesota agriculture, resulting in:
- Increased Agricultural Literacy & Leadership: Invested $1.5M since 2021 to reach 160,000+ K–12 students annually and support thousands of emerging leaders through scholarships and leadership programs.
- Strengthened Rural Community & Consumer Connections: Invested $3.4M since 2021 to engage 1.5M Minnesotans in 2024 through events, sports sponsorships, and educational programming— supported by 6,500+ members and 52 county associations.
- Expanded Farmer Knowledge & Innovation: Invested $7M since 2008 in farmer education and outreach, including Nitrogen Smart training for 1,200+ farmers on 1M+ acres and 100+ Innovation Grants that improved profitability and resource stewardship.
Planet
Minnesota Corn invested in practical, science-based solutions to protect soil and water resources while sustaining productivity, resulting in:
- Secured State & Federal Funding: Advocated for targeted water-quality efforts—such as nitrate reduction in southeast Minnesota and expanded soil-health assistance— to help farmers protect natural resources.
- Improved Production & Environmental Stewardship: Invested $12M+ since 2008 across 60+ long-term research projects, enabling improved nitrogen efficiency, increased soil carbon, and reduced input costs.
- Documented On-Farm Environmental Benefits: Demonstrated 52% less erosion, 98% lower emissions, 15% less nitrogen loss, and 19% less phosphorus loss over three years, based on current practices compared to a conventional baseline on Minnesota Corn farms.
Profit
Minnesota Corn bolstered farm income and expanded long-term demand through strategic market development and investments, which delivered:
- Advanced Ethanol Promotion & Infrastructure: Invested $35M+ since 2008 to expand ethanol access and awareness— delivering strong returns to farmers, raising corn basis by 15¢/bu (+$71M/year), and saving Minnesota drivers $25M in 2024.
- Enhanced Global Engagement & Market Access: Strengthened export opportunities through international outreach and partnerships, supporting efforts to expand global markets by 15%.
- Accelerated Innovation & New Uses: Invested $4M+ since 2014 to advance biobased products such as Låkril and Valerian Materials, which, if scaled, could unlock 1B+ bushels of future corn demand.
