SEATTLE, WA – A planned biorefinery in the United Arab Emirates intends to buy at least 39 million bushels of U.S. corn annually, potentially creating a new export outlet for American growers.
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council signed a memorandum of understanding with BioPower Energy during Export Exchange 2026. BioPower says it plans to source 50% to 100% of its feedstock needs from U.S. suppliers.
The agreement includes an initial minimum purchase floor of 1 million metric tons of corn each year. That volume equals roughly 39 million bushels and would support renewable-fuel production at the planned UAE facility.
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service officials observed the signing. The council says the arrangement is intended to support steady U.S. corn purchases while supplying renewable fuels and related products to markets in the region.
The memorandum signals planned demand rather than completed sales, and the release does not specify when the biorefinery will begin operating or when purchases will start.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A successful UAE biorefinery project could create a new annual export market for roughly 39 million bushels of U.S. corn.