How Minnesota Corn Builds Consumer Demand for Biofuels
Strategic partnerships, targeted outreach underpin the strategy
Standing outside Huntington Bank Stadium on a Saturday morning in September, members of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA) staff spoke with Gopher football fans about the many benefits of Unleaded 88. Minnesota Corn supports MBA’s efforts to reach consumers with positive, fact-based information about biofuel blends.
Unleaded 88 costs less than regular unleaded and can be used in vehicles model year 2001 and newer, they noted. They also distributed Unleaded 88 brochures and branded T-shirts to fans.
The effort was emblematic of Minnesota Corn’s approach to increasing driver demand for Unleaded 88, E85, and other biofuel blends. Each year, Minnesota Corn invests in strategic partnerships and targeted outreach campaigns that reach consumers where they are. The organization also builds support for ethanol through educational programming and investments in biofuel infrastructure.
It’s part of Minnesota Corn’s broader, checkoff-supported market development strategy— ensuring that every investment delivers measurable returns in expanded ethanol use and stronger markets for Minnesota corn.
“Every gallon of Unleaded 88 sold helps strengthen demand for our crop,” Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Wes Beck said. “That’s why we invest in these partnerships— they connect the work we do on the farm to the drivers fueling up every day.”
Consumer outreach
Promoting Unleaded 88 to Minnesota drivers has been a core tenet of Minnesota Corn’s work since the fuel was approved for sale by the EPA in 2011. In recent years, the organization has promoted Unleaded 88 through the Better Fuel Initiative and spokesperson Chris Hawkey.
Beginning in 2024, Minnesota Corn partnered with MBA to increase consumer awareness of the higher-ethanol blend. With Minnesota Corn’s support, MBA has promoted Unleaded 88 to Twin Cities drivers through radio advertising and on-site fuel promotion events, reaching hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans with positive messages about the fuel. MBA also maintains an online biofuel station finder tool and offers technical assistance to fuel stations.
New in 2025, MBA partnered with KS95 to promote Unleaded 88 at the Minnesota State Fair—bringing the message to one of the state’s largest events. Minnesota Corn also continues to support the national “Reasons to Choose” campaign, led by Nebraska Corn, which highlights how Unleaded 88 is approved for more than 95% of cars on the road, saves drivers money at the pump, and supports U.S. farmers. New this year, the campaign is airing ads on ESPN.
In addition, county corn grower associations continue to host community fuel promotions statewide—meeting drivers face-to-face and helping them understand the value of choosing higher-ethanol blends. Thanks in part to these efforts, reported Unleaded 88 sales in Minnesota have nearly doubled since 2020. More than 520 fuel stations across the state now offer the blend—up from just 90 in 2015.
Educational opportunities
Along with consumer outreach, Minnesota Corn supports partnerships that educate key stakeholders about ethanol and biofuel blends. The organization is a longtime supporter of MEG Corp, a fuel consulting firm that addresses myths about ethanol among young auto technicians. With support from Minnesota Corn, MEG Corp has developed an ethanol lesson plan and holds workshops with students to promote the benefits of the fuel.
Beyond Minnesota, Minnesota Corn is supporting the Renewable Fuels Association’s program to help California fuel retailers prepare to sell E15. The initiative provides technical guidance, training, and outreach to station operators as they upgrade infrastructure and prepare for consumer adoption. The timing is significant: Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 30 into law, officially approving E15 sales statewide while environmental review is finalized. With California representing the nation’s largest fuel market, this development opens enormous new demand potential—and Minnesota Corn’s investment ensures that Minnesota farmers have a seat at the table as that market grows.
Minnesota Corn also supports RFA’s partnership with Girls Auto Clinic, a Philadelphia-based organization that equips women with the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their automotive experiences. RFA sponsors the group’s “Car Care” program, which helps broaden understanding of ethanol’s role in fueling a sustainable future.
Read more about Minnesota Corn’s approach to biofuel promotion at mncorn.org/utilization.
