MSA appreciates Trump administration’s continued focus on US agriculture, domestic biofuels

The Missouri Soybean Association recognized President Donald Trump and U.S. EPA Aug. 31 for their continued focus on U.S. agriculture and the role homegrown biofuels play in strengthening domestic energy production and ensuring domestic markets for U.S. farmers.

On Aug. 31, EPA granted 29 small-refinery exemptions (SREs) for the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year, totaling 1.76 billion renewable identification number (RIN) credits.

MSA said it appreciates the Trump administration’s proposal to offset the negative impact those increased waivers have on farmers and the biofuel industry by promising to restore the 770 million RINs (approximately 500 million gallons of biofuel) exempted above the prior estimated 990 million RINs through a forthcoming supplemental rule.

This means 100 percent of the RINs that exceeded EPA’s initial estimates should be reallocated to the volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.

“Missouri soybean farmers appreciate President Trump for recognizing what is at stake for growers and our domestic biofuel market,” said MSA President Cody Brock. “We appreciate the administration’s proposal to fully reallocate these additional exemptions, but timing is important. EPA must move quickly to follow through on that commitment, fully reallocate these RINs and ensure soybean farmers are not left carrying the cost of these exemptions.”

When EPA considered higher-than-anticipated SREs for the 2025 compliance year, MSA encouraged the agency to protect the progress achieved through those historic volumes and tried to ensure exemptions do not significantly reduce demand for soybean-based biofuels.

For Missouri soybean producers, biodiesel and renewable diesel represent critical sources of domestic demand for soybean oil.

MSA said it remains committed to working with the Trump administration and EPA to ensure a robust RFS, continue the domestic utilization of U.S.-grown feedstocks and ensure the nation’s energy policies continue creating opportunities for farmers and rural communities.