2024 Economic Contribution of the Renewable Fuels Industry to the Iowa Economy
By Decision Innovation Solutions
April 2025
Prepared for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Producing 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol and 353 million gallons of biodiesel in 2024, 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.
To view the full study, click here.
Renewable Fuels Positive Impact on Iowa Economy Remains Strong, Despite Stresses
Even though a variety of factors converged in 2024 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 2024 the renewable fuels industry had the following impacts on Iowa’s economy:
- Accounted for more than $5.7 billion of Iowa GDP;
- Generated $2.6 billion of income for Iowa households; and
- Supported over 34,000 jobs through the entire Iowa economy.
| GDP | Income | Employment | |
| (Mil 2024$) | (Mil 2024$) | (Jobs) | |
| Ethanol* | $5,189.8 | $2,503.5 | 32,877 |
| Biodiesel | $520.2 | $123.3 | 1,609 |
| Total | $5,732.7 | $2,638.4 | 34,657 |
*Includes agriculture, investment in R&D, and exports