Today, another opportunity is emerging — one that could strengthen farm economies, support rural communities, and position Minnesota as a national leader in aviation innovation.

At the state Capitol this session, lawmakers are considering legislation (HF 1669 / SF 1312) to extend and strengthen Minnesota’s existing sustainable aviation fuel incentive. This policy would help expand a promising new market for Minnesota farmers while positioning our state to compete in a rapidly growing industry.

SAF is a renewable alternative to traditional jet fuel that can be used in today’s aircraft as a drop-in fuel without requiring any modifications to the plane. Produced with agricultural products like corn, soybeans, winter camelina, and forestry residue, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of jet fuel by up to 80%.

For farmers, SAF represents more than a low-carbon fuel: It provides a new and growing market for Minnesota-grown crops. With more people around the world flying, airlines are looking for scalable fuel solutions that can work within today’s infrastructure. SAF offers exactly that.

The scale of the opportunity is significant. By 2030, airline demand for SAF could reach roughly 3.5 billion gallons . But right now, U.S. production capacity is estimated at only 20–30 million gallons per year. This gap represents a major opportunity — and Minnesota is uniquely positioned to help meet it.

Our state already has many of the ingredients needed to build a successful SAF industry. Minnesota is the fifth-largest ethanol producer in the United States, with a capacity of over 1.4 billion gallons annually from 18 ethanol plants, many of which are cooperatively-owned by farmers. And Minnesota is home to one of the nation’s most important aviation hubs. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport serves 17 airlines, including Delta, which has set a goal of using 10% SAF in its U.S. operations by 2030.

Together, this combination of agricultural strength and aviation demand creates a natural opportunity for Minnesota to lead.

As a value-added market that builds on this success, SAF is a clear next step in advancing our production capabilities and fostering further market opportunities. The environmental advantages are also significant because SAF production encourages the use of regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health and water quality.

But we need policy support to make this happen. The legislation before lawmakers this session would build on Minnesota’s existing SAF incentive by extending the program through 2035, maintaining a competitive $1.50 per gallon credit for qualifying SAF, and encouraging the production of ultra-low-carbon fuels.

Policies like this provide the certainty companies need to invest in new facilities, infrastructure, and supply chains that connect farmers to fuel production.

The legislation now under consideration represents Minnesota’s chance to accelerate SAF growth and ensure our farmers, communities, and state remain competitive in renewable fuel innovation.

Minnesota farmers are ready to meet the challenge. What we need now is the policy framework that allows this opportunity to take flight.

Wertish is the president of Minnesota Farmers Union.