In Illinois, Axios reports The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub has secured a $51 million federal grant to explore new uses for Illinois crops, particularly corn. Led by the University of Illinois, iFAB aims to create alternative markets for farmers as ethanol demand declines due to increased electric vehicle usage.
Currently, around 30% of Illinois corn, or 274 million bushels annually, is used for ethanol production. With the rise of EVs, iFAB’s biomanufacturing efforts could provide a sustainable pivot for this crop. The hub focuses on transforming plant materials into valuable compounds like chemicals, ingredients, or fuels.
One innovative application is using precision fermentation to convert corn dextrose into hemoglobin for plant-based meats and fermenting grains to produce oils. These efforts represent a shift towards creating more edible and nutritious products compared to traditional ethanol.
iFAB’s work aligns with long-standing calls to enhance food security and reduce reliance on industrial corn and soy farming. As the hub explores producing materials like polyester from plant sources, it positions Illinois as a leader in sustainable biomanufacturing, offering new economic opportunities for local farmers.
