Renewable Fuels Impact on the Iowa Economy

2025 Economic Contribution of the Renewable Fuels Industry to the Iowa Economy

By Decision Innovation Solutions

March 2026

 Prepared for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

Producing 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol and 266 million gallons of biodiesel in 2025, Iowa continues to be the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production and renewable fuels continue to have a significant impact on Iowa’s economy.

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Renewable Fuels Positive Impact on Iowa Economy Remains Strong, Despite Stresses

Even though a variety of factors converged in 2025 that created stresses for the renewable fuels industry and lowered economic contributions compared to prior years, renewable fuels production continues to be a core part of Iowa’s economy.

Based on its size and scope, in 2025 the renewable fuels industry had the following impacts on Iowa’s economy:

• Accounted for $5.4 billion of Iowa GDP;
• Generated $2.4 billion of income for Iowa households; and
• Supported over 31,000 jobs through the entire Iowa economy.