MDARD, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan Partner to Advance Sustainable Fuel Production, Strengthen the State’s Agricultural Economy

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a three-year, $3 million partnership with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan to drive a landmark initiative connecting Michigan's agricultural sector with the rapidly expanding sustainable aviation and maritime fuel industries. The project positions Michigan as a national leader in developing low-carbon fuel supply chains while ensuring new economic opportunities flow directly to Michigan farmers.

"This initiative lays the groundwork for Michigan agriculture to play a central role in the future of sustainable transportation by leveraging Michigan's strong agricultural foundation and key transportation hubs," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "By aligning our farmers, researchers and industry partners, we are opening the door to long-term economic growth and new opportunities for Michigan's rural communities."

As airlines, freight carriers and maritime industries accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon fuels is surging. Michigan-home to millions of bushels of corn and soybeans each year-holds a strategic advantage as these crops are key ingredients of many next-generation fuels. Plus, they grow within a few hours of the Port of Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

At the same time, Michigan farmers have long implemented conservation practices that sequester carbon. However, they have lacked a formal, state-verified mechanism to quantify and monetize these environmental benefits to help their bottom line. This project directly addresses that gap by integrating standardized verification tools, cooperative development and stronger connections to sustainable fuel manufacturing and market access.

"We're grateful to MDARD for this investment and their partnership in shaping the future of Michigan agriculture," said Scott Piggott, Executive Director of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. "This support gives our growers a real opportunity to strengthen the industry by opening doors to new markets, new manufacturing possibilities and long-term collaboration across the fuel and transportation sectors. With this bold investment from MDARD, Michigan farmers will be better positioned to innovate, add value to their crops by capturing more margin on-farm and benefit from this growing demand for sustainable fuel."

Earlier this year, the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan commissioned Public Sector Consultants to better understand the state's position in becoming the foundation for a sustainable aviation fuel hub. The report, published in September, found Southeast Michigan is uniquely positioned to develop an ethanol-to-jet production hub.

The new partnership centers on three major objectives:

1. Assessing the feasibility of a SAF and maritime fuel production facility in Michigan

A feasibility component will bring together private industry, state and federal partners and technical experts to evaluate locating a dedicated sustainable fuel facility capable of supplying Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the Port of Detroit.

2. Developing a carbon-benefit verification standard within the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program

MDARD and Michigan State University will partner to advance standardized carbon accounting protocols that document and verify the environmental benefits of farm conservation practices. This portion of the project builds on MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture focus, which prioritizes sustainable practices that strengthen farmers and producers' bottom lines.

3. Supporting the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan's ELITE Leadership program to pursue a farmer-owned carbon cooperative

Empower Michigan producers to research, design and likely launch a carbon cooperative that aggregates verified carbon benefits and strengthens farmer negotiating power in emerging markets.

The three-year partnership runs through 2029 and is funded through MDARD's strategic grantmaking focused on agricultural innovation, value-chain development and climate-resilient farming.

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