The Crush Chronicles: NOPA 2025 Year in Review

As NOPA reflects on the past year, we appreciate the leadership, engagement, and support of our members, industry partners, and partners in State Houses, on Capitol Hill and in the Administration who worked together to advance our shared priorities. Together, we achieved meaningful progress, and we’re excited to highlight the milestones that shaped the year.

In 2025, NOPA advocated for policies that strengthen U.S. agriculture, biofuels, and nutrition, including ensuring that Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes reflect growing industry capacity; prioritizing domestic feedstocks through the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit; limiting imported biofuel feedstocks; and advocating for science-based nutrition and food security policies. Throughout the year, NOPA also promoted the use of updated research in clean fuel programs to highlight the lower carbon intensity of U.S. soybean oil, supporting continued investment, economic growth, and energy independence.

We kicked off the year by welcoming Devin Mogler as President and CEO, bringing deep biofuels expertise from his time in the U.S. Senate and Green Plains, and Sophia Sackleh as Program Manager, who earned her master’s at Georgetown University and continues advancing NOPA’s food policy work.

In addition, we added a new member company, North Dakota Soybean Processors (NDSP). The NDSP plant, located in Casselton, North Dakota, opened in August 2024, and has the capacity to crush 42.5 million bushels of soybeans this year.

On January 10, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released guidance on the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. While Section 45Z represents a significant step forward for America’s oilseed crushers and farmers, the skinny guidance needed key modifications to be workable for crushers.

In February, we continued to expand the team with the addition of Ryan Locke as Vice President of Engagement. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Ryan strengthens our connection to member companies and supports enhanced member and external stakeholder engagement, while also spearheading our state low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) work. 

At NOPA’s urging, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) unanimously adopted resolutions supporting domestic biofuel feedstocks and establishing verification requirements for imported used cooking oil (UCO) under federal biofuel tax policy.

Devin participated in biofuels policy panels at the Iowa Soybean Association Farm Forward event and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Summit. 

We started off a busy March by adding a fourth member to the NOPA team, Corey McCray, as Vice President of Government Relations, bringing extensive energy policy and government affairs experience from his time at Chevron and advising industry stakeholders in Washington, D.C.  

Devin and Sophia represented the association at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins also attended the event, underscoring its significance for the agricultural industry. 

The March Board Meeting in the D.C. allowed NOPA to reinforce our policy priorities and ensure they remain at the forefront of ongoing discussions: RVO growth, support for domestic feedstocks, Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC), 45Z reform, and education on vegetable oils. Members participated in White House, Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) meetings, as well as Capitol Hill visits to raise key issues regarding the oilseed industry. 

In addition, we urged USDA to strengthen its Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) rule by expanding eligible oilseed feedstocks, aligning standards with existing conservation guidelines, and ensuring biofuel policies prioritize U.S. farmers and processors. While supporting provisions that increase flexibility and reflect supply-chain realities, we called for stronger protections against market distortion, imported feedstocks, and unfair penalties on domestic agriculture.  

NOPA was a proud sponsor of the 13th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner in Ankeny, IA. Devin, Ryan, and representatives from Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) and Cargill were on hand to celebrate the achievements supporting Iowa agriculture.  

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In April, NOPA advocated for improvements to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to ensure the program supports domestic-grown feedstocks. NOPA urged Treasury to limit eligibility to U.S.-grown feedstocks and remove the Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) penalty. We welcomed bipartisan legislation that reflected these priorities, reinforcing domestic supply chains, supporting U.S. farmers and manufacturing, and strengthening rural economies.

April also marked a milestone moment for the liquid fuels industry, as NOPA joined the American Petroleum Institute, American Soybean Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy in a unified request urging EPA to set the 2026 RVO for biomass-based diesel at no less than 5.25 billion gallons, consistent with NOPA’s S&P Global feedstock study.

May began with successful advocacy as the House Ways & Means Committee advanced improvements to 45Z through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which prioritized North American feedstocks and U.S. farmers. The updated credit excludes non-North American feedstocks, removes the ILUC penalty, and reinforces domestic investment, rural jobs, and biofuel growth. 

Following the release of the MAHA Commission Report, NOPA engaged with the Commission to emphasize sound, evidence-based nutrition science and the well-established safety and health benefits of vegetable oils produced by U.S. farmers and processors. NOPA underscored the importance of including agricultural stakeholders in public health discussions that affect food security and consumer trust.

Devin participated as a panelist at the High-Performance Low Carbon Liquid Fuels Summit and joined agricultural reporters at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Issues Forum, amplifying oilseed processor priorities. 

May concluded with the opening of Norfolk Crush’s new facility in Norfolk, Nebraska, with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) in attendance.

At the start of June, NOPA welcomed the EPA’s proposed 2026 and 2027 RVOs, highlighting the implied 5.61 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel, a meaningful improvement over 2025 volumes that reflects domestic production capacity supported by NOPA’s S&P Global feedstock study.

NOPA joined more than 250 food and agriculture groups representing millions of American farmers, ranchers, producers, and manufacturers in sending a letter calling on the MAHA Commission to create greater transparency and input in its activities.

The Senate also advanced improvements to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, maintaining the USMCA feedstock requirement, eliminating the ILUC penalty, expanding the Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer credit, and allowing transferability.

Devin spoke at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference, reinforcing the importance of science-based policy and resilient supply chains. The NOPA team also visited Perdue AgriBusiness, strengthening member engagement and operational understanding.

NOPA engaged with Clean Fuels Alliance America members as Devin provided an update on soybean crush expansion and its importance to clean fuel growth, while highlighting NOPA’s support for policies such as robust RVOs, the half RIN, and a strengthened 45Z credit that prioritize U.S.-grown feedstocks and domestic agriculture.

July began with Platinum Crush joining as a NOPA member. The Alta, Iowa, facility processes 40 million bushels annually, bringing NOPA closer to representing the full U.S. crush industry.

July 4th brought the passage of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” delivering critical improvements to 45Z.

NOPA was active in Washington, D.C., participating in the ASA Soybean Issues Forum, the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress, and Capitol Hill meetings. NOPA also co-hosted a Capitol Hill reception with ASA and CropLife America, reinforcing collaboration in support of U.S. agriculture, energy security, and food security.

Additional highlights included Sophia’s outreach at the Maryland State Fair alongside Perdue AgriBusiness, Ryan’s induction as a Farm Foundation Round Table Fellow, and the grand opening of AGP’s David City, Nebraska facility, adding 80 jobs and 50 million bushels of annual capacity.

In August, on the 20th anniversary of the RFS, NOPA welcomed its 20th member, Norfolk Crush. Located in Madison County, near Norfolk, Nebraska, this facility can process 38.5 million bushels of soybeans annually, or 110,000 bushels per day, which is equivalent to over 12% of all soybeans grown in Nebraska.

For the 20th anniversary of the RFS, we submitted formal comments supporting the EPA’s proposed RFS Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for 2026 and 2027. In these comments, NOPA supported: Increased BBD volumes to 7.12 billion RINs in 2026 and 7.50 billion RINs in 2027, 50% Renewable Identification Number (RIN) reduction for non-U.S. feedstocks and finished fuels, the highest standard for evaluating Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs), and continued use of the 2020 RVO SRE accounting approach.  

We appreciated the opportunity to attend a secure briefing to review the MAHA Commission’s Strategy document before its unveiling. NOPA underscored the importance of continued engagement with the agricultural value chain as federal and state policy considerations move forward. 

NOPA engaged with EPA as the agency addressed its backlog of SRE petitions inherited from the prior Administration, advocating for greater stability and predictability in the RFS. The association urged EPA to finalize robust future RVOs that account for waived gallons, prioritize domestic feedstocks, and support continued investment in U.S. farmers, processors, and rural manufacturing. 

Ryan toured the Midwest, attending the Farm Progress Show in Illinois and the Nebraska State Fair. He met with members, stakeholders, and policymakers—including Senator Pete Ricketts, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso—to discuss biofuels policy, the MAHA initiative, and the importance of supporting domestic feedstock demand, reinforcing NOPA’s commitment to advancing policies that benefit farmers, processors, and rural communities. 

Devin spoke on multiple panels at the AgriNext conference in St. Louis, highlighting the importance of robust biofuel policy, science-based MAHA recommendations, and recent policy wins that reflect growing U.S. soy crush capacity and support long-term investment in American agriculture and energy independence. 

Finally, NOPA member company White River Nutrition had the honor of hosting Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley at their facility in Creston, Iowa. We thank Senator Grassley for his ongoing leadership in championing agriculture and rural manufacturing in Iowa and in D.C. 

Our September Board Meeting gave our member companies another opportunity to meet in Washington, D.C. While in our nation’s capital, members participated in fly-In meetings with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Treasury Department, EPA, White House, and Senate & House offices. Participating in these meetings allowed members to reinforce priorities to promote market certainty through timely RVO rulemaking, ensure nutrition and labeling policies remain grounded in sound science, and advance trade policies that strengthen U.S. competitiveness and expand demand for U.S. soybean products. 

The MAHA Commission released its Strategy Report consistent with the broad scientific consensus that our food system remains safe. While this report represented a step in the right direction, NOPA will remain vigilant in addressing policies and public statements that stoke fear based on misinformation rather than sound science. 

EPA released its supplemental RFS proposal for addressing SREs. NOPA urged the agency to finalize the 2026–2027 RVOs, including the import-RIN discount, to provide market certainty for farmers and processors. 

NOPA submitted comments to the FDA as it reviewed infant formula nutrient requirements for the first time in more than two decades, urging the agency to ground any updates in rigorous, evidence-based science. NOPA emphasized that vegetable oils are the most effective and bioavailable sources of essential fatty acids for infant development and called for U.S. regulations to align with global best practices, including CODEX and EFSA.

Ryan and Corey traveled to Kentucky to participate in the ASA Action Partnership Meeting, engaging industry partners on opportunities in the soybean oil market, the importance of strong biofuels policy, and the need for science-based health policy to support U.S. agriculture, energy dominance, and food security. 

Devin spoke at Minnesota AgriGrowth’s annual meeting, where he emphasized the importance of science-based health policy and clear communication of agricultural nutrition amid discussions on the MAHA movement. 

Ryan spoke at the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Conference hosted by Renewable Fuels Nebraska, participating in a panel on the role of SBO in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), market dynamics, and building a durable industry that supports U.S. farmers and rural communities. NOPA also highlighted its support for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act, underscoring the importance of data-driven policy to encourage investment and long-term growth in SAF. 

NOPA submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA in response to their joint request for information on defining “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs). NOPA urged the agencies to ensure that any definition of UPFs reflects sound nutrition science and focuses on the nutritional quality of foods, rather than on processing alone. The association cautioned that classification systems based primarily on processing—such as the NOVA framework—can misrepresent the nutritional quality of many foods and confuse consumers. 

NOPA submitted a single-page comments urging EPA to quickly finalize 2026-2027 RVOs. This comment emphasizes that the time for further deliberation has passed and that swift action is urgently needed to provide market certainty for America’s farmers, oilseed processors, and renewable fuel producers. 

Devin and Ryan attended the U.S. Soybean Export Council’s (USSEC) Soy Connext forum, engaging with leaders across the soy value chain to discuss expanding global markets for soybean meal. During the forum, they met with meal sourcing partners from seven Southeast Asian countries to better understand buying preferences and highlight the benefits of U.S. processed soybean meal. They also showcased how $6 billion in new investments have expanded U.S. crushing capacity, supporting American farmers and strengthening competitiveness in food, feed, and biofuel markets.

Devin participated in Cargill’s Risk Management Summit, discussing key biofuels policies, including timely finalization of RVOs, substantial BBD volumes, complete reallocation of SREs, and the 45Z tax credit. He also addressed emerging issues, including the MAHA movement, UPF definitions, state labeling laws, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), highlighting NOPA’s efforts to position U.S. soybean oil as the preferred feedstock for BBD. 

Ryan and Sophia attended the ASA State Staff Meeting in St. Charles, Missouri, where they shared insights on the MAHA movement and its impact on soy’s role in health, nutrition, and sustainability. The meeting featured discussions on boosting domestic and global soy demand, promoting soy’s health benefits, defending U.S. feedstocks, and delivering value to farmers, processors, and consumers. 

NOPA launches X account, Nopa_Oilseed.  

November started with EPA’s decision on SREs. NOPA thanked EPA for returning retired RINs for SRE petitions prior to 2023 and continues to urge EPA to ensure all active RINs are reallocated into RVOs moving forward. 

During the month, NOPA elevated evidence-based discussions around nutrition and public health through thought leadership featured in ASA’s American Soybean Fall 2025 magazine. Written by Sophia, the article highlighted the well-established role of vegetable oils and unsaturated fats in supporting heart health and reducing cardiovascular risk when used in place of saturated fats—reinforcing decades of nutritional science. Read here.

Additionally, a joint letter from NOPA and ASA was sent to President Donald J. Trump, urging the administration to finalize key biofuel policies that strengthen domestic energy production, promote the use of U.S.-grown soybean oil, and ensure that federal programs prioritize American feedstocks over imports. 

November ended with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visiting the Bunge facility in Emporia, Kansas. This provided a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of soybean processing facilities on both ends of the supply chain, from farmers to fuel producers.   

We closed out the year by adding another member to the NOPA team, Stephanie Johnson as Director of Regulatory Affairs. Stephanie most recently served as Director of State Energy and Regulatory Policy at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), bringing more than 15 years of experience in energy policy, regulatory affairs, and legislative strategy at both the national and state levels. 

Devin attended the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Country Elevator Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Engaging with industry leaders on key issues affecting the grain, feed, and oilseed sectors. Discussions focused on food policy, biofuel market dynamics, and supply chain collaboration to support a resilient and competitive U.S. agricultural economy. 

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our members for your continued partnership, dedication, and support throughout the year. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated policy wins, and advanced the interests of U.S. farmers, processors, and the broader oilseed industry. From everyone at NOPA, we wish you a Merry Crush-mas and a Happy New Year—and we look forward to continuing to work around the clock to deliver a strong, prosperous 2026 for our industry.