The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Latin America (LTA) office is spearheading initiatives to promote ethanol blending throughout Central America and the Caribbean, underscoring the region’s dedication to sustainable energy and reducing emissions from transportation. This effort was highlighted by the Council’s organization of the third “Cultivando Energía” (Growing Energy) conference, which took place last week at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Costa Rica.
Over 80 biofuel experts and key public and private sector representatives from Central America—including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama—convened to explore the future of biofuels in the region. The conference concentrated on the challenges and opportunities related to biofuels, especially ethanol, in fostering agro-industrial growth and meeting carbon reduction goals.
USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand addressed the conference, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the region’s energy transformation and commending the Costa Rican government’s leadership in advancing an ethanol blending program. He particularly praised the collaboration between the USGC and the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy.
“We must go beyond merely hoping for increased food production or relying on unrealistic solutions. It’s crucial to build sustainable markets through effective agriculture,” LeGrand remarked.
Participants also gained insights into ethanol blending practices from outside the Americas. USGC Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEA&O) Caleb Wurth shared experiences from the Philippines, while USGC Regional Director for South Asia Reece Cannady provided updates from India. Additionally, U.S. experts such as Ron Lamberty from the American Coalition for Ethanol, Alex Buck from Iowa Corn, and Keith L. Kline from Oak Ridge National Laboratory offered a comprehensive look at ethanol blending practices in the United States.
A panel discussion featured energy leaders from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama, who outlined their countries’ biofuel strategies. Costa Rica’s Vice Minister of Energy Ronny Rodríguez discussed the nation’s goal to achieve a 10% ethanol blend in premium gasoline by 2026. Representatives from Guatemala and Panama shared similar targets, with both countries aiming to finalize agreements by 2024 and implement ethanol blending within the next two years.
The conference concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Council and IICA. This agreement acknowledges the critical role of biofuels in the energy transition and demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to providing policymakers and regulators with the training and technical expertise needed for effective legislation. IICA Director General Manuel Otero underscored the importance of translating discussions into actionable policies and institutional frameworks, and the USGC logo was unveiled on IICA’s “Wall of Friends,” marking the strengthened partnership.
Before departing Costa Rica, LeGrand and USGC Regional Director for LTA Marri Tejada met with Costa Rican Vice President Stephan Brunner and IICA Deputy Director Lloyd Day to discuss the Council’s support in shaping future policies to enhance ethanol use, trade, and overall agricultural sector growth in Costa Rica.
