Midwestern ag leaders form American Ag & Energy Council to promote links between agribusiness, renewable energy
In Iowa, a group of Midwestern-based agrienergy leaders have formed the American Ag & Energy Council (AAEC). The council will promote the links between agribusiness and renewable energy, with a focus on education.
Coalition co-chair Wendy Wintersteen, Dean of the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, told Marketwatch that “the Midwest has a rich history of being pioneers in agricultural production and research. And now throughout the heartland, there are many pioneers in agriculture and biorenewables that are changing the world for the better.” 25 distinguished academics, policy and business leaders will serve on the initial board of directors, including:
Robert A. Easter, Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.; Raymond E. Defenbaugh, CEO of Big River Resources; Mark Pearson, host of the nationally syndicated public television program ‘Market to Market’; Bruce L. Rastetter, CEO of Hawkeye Renewables; Chris Schwarck, investor in five ethanol plants, and Vice President at Absolute Energy; and Walter Wendland, CEO of Golden Grain Energy.
The group has released a one-page fact sheet, here.
