Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Executive Vice President Geoff Cooper and other guests representing America's agriculture industry joined Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue as he rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Wednesday afternoon. Secretary Perdue rang the bell "in celebration of the contribution to the American economy from farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural producers," according to NYSE. RFA's Cooper offered the following statement:
"On behalf of ethanol producers and supporters across the country, I was honored and privileged to join Secretary Perdue for this special occasion. The event was a poignant reminder that agriculture truly is the backbone of our nation's economy, and America's farm families play a pivotal role in feeding and fueling our communities. We greatly appreciate Secretary Perdue's leadership and vision on a host of economic issues important to rural America, and we are especially grateful for his efforts to strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard and secure regulatory changes allowing the year-round sale E15 and higher ethanol blends. Both actions would increase demand for agricultural commodities and stimulate economic growth in rural America. We look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Perdue and his outstanding team at USDA to expand value-added opportunities for America's farmers and grow demand for American-made renewable fuels."
