Biofuel Champions in Iowa Honored

By Andi Anderson

Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, has honored two fuel retailers for their commitment to promoting biofuels in the state. Al’s Corner Oil, which runs Sparky’s One Stop convenience stores, received the 2025 Ethanol Marketing Award, while Pro Cooperative, a farmer-owned business, was recognized for its efforts in biodiesel promotion.

Naig presented the award to Sparky’s One Stop at their Rockwell City store on February 7. The award for Pro Cooperative will be given at a later date. Acknowledging their efforts, “I want to congratulate and thank Sparky’s One Stop and Pro Cooperative for their leadership in promoting biofuels –an industry that does so much to strengthen Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “Biofuels are a win-win for everyone. Consumers get access to more affordable, cleaner burning fuels. Our farmers have more markets for their crops, and we generate more economic activity in our rural communities. That’s why the State of Iowa is partnering with fuel retailers to expand infrastructure and increase the availability of higher biofuel blends around the state, giving drivers even more homegrown choices at the pump.”

Sparky’s One Stop has been a key supporter of ethanol, offering E15 and E85 at several locations and planning further expansion in 2025. With its headquarters in Carroll, Al’s Corner Oil has been serving communities in western and northwest Iowa since 1934, supplying fuel and propane to residential and commercial customers.

Pro Cooperative, based in Pocahontas, has a long history of supporting agriculture. The cooperative participated in the On Farm Biodiesel Credit Program, enrolling more farmers than any other retailer in 2024. Their marketing efforts led to the use of approximately 20,000 gallons of biodiesel, introducing many farmers to its benefits for the first time.

Iowa has taken significant steps to expand biofuel use. The state’s E15 Access Standard mandates most fuel retailers to provide E15 fuel by January 1, 2026. To support this transition, the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) provides grants to help fuel stations upgrade their facilities. Since its launch in 2006, RFIP has contributed over $53.5 million, with private investments reaching $260 million.

Iowa remains a leader in renewable fuels, with the industry contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Generating billions in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs, biofuels continue to be a vital part of Iowa’s energy and agricultural sectors.

Photo Credit: vista-mipan