Free online event on June 17 will overview how Minnesota can support cleaner global shipping
CROOKSTON, Minn. (June 2, 2026) — The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) – a nonprofit organization that works to find expanded uses and markets for agricultural products – will host a free webinar June 17 as part of its Field of Innovation event series. The webinar, “Why Minnesota’s Agricultural Industry Has a Stake in Maritime Decarbonization Through Renewable Fuels,” will explore the overlooked connection between the agricultural industry and the maritime shipping sector’s opportunity for renewable fuels. Industry experts will also discuss how the state’s farms, processing facilities, and renewable fuel producers are linked to global trade.
| WHAT: | AURI’s “Why Minnesota’s Agricultural Industry Has a Stake in Maritime Decarbonization Through Renewable Fuels” Webinar |
| WHEN: | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. CT |
| WHERE: | Please register in advance |
| WHO: | The webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Ideal for growers, processors, product developers, researchers, and sustainability-focused stakeholders interested in learning about the emerging role of agriculture-derived biofuels in maritime applications. |
In this session, participants will learn:
- Why maritime decarbonization is creating new demand for agriculture-derived biofuels and how these fuels can support cleaner shipping operations.
- How Minnesota’s biofuel and biogas industries can serve emerging maritime fuel markets, creating new revenue opportunities for agricultural producers.
- The emerging role of agriculture-derived biofuels in maritime applications and why Minnesota is uniquely positioned to lead.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
- Brian Werner, Executive Director for the MN Bio-Fuels Association, will share perspectives based on his legislative experience supporting renewable energy and agriculture.
- Ben Kruger, Chief Operating Officer for Roeslein Renewables, will discuss learnings from building and scaling RNG and biodiesel businesses, detailing how agriculture-derived fuels can compete in global markets and help position U.S. producers to serve emerging maritime fuel demand.
- Matt Herman, Chief Officer of Advocacy and Demand for the Iowa Soybean Association, will offer insights related to soybeans as biofuels.
- Brad Matuska, Business Development Director of Biomass Feedstocks at AURI, will facilitate the webinar discussion.
A live Q&A will follow the speakers, offering an opportunity to discuss how biofuels and biogas-based fuels can support energy diversification and maritime decarbonization goals, both directly through biofuel feedstocks and indirectly by strengthening the competitiveness of Minnesota’s export supply chains.
“Minnesota’s agricultural industry is primed to lead biofuel production that supports decarbonization in the maritime shipping sector’s renewable fuels,” says Brad Matuska, Business Development Director of Biomass Feedstocks at AURI. “We look forward to this unique discussion on how Minnesota can step up to serve emerging maritime fuel markets and create new revenue opportunities for agricultural producers.”
This webinar is part of the AURI Connects: Fields of Innovation event series, which focuses on convening regional ag and food value chains to build capacity and successfully accelerate the commercialization of new crop and livestock opportunities, including new traits for existing crops. Fields of Innovation creates opportunities for connection to build a strong ecosystem in Minnesota and border states, providing ag producers and value chain partners with new market opportunities.
The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Minnesota Farmers Union, Legacy Agripartners, and Northern Crops Institute.
To attend the “Why Minnesota’s Agricultural Industry Has a Stake in Maritime Decarbonization Through Renewable Fuels” webinar, register here.
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ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
