Wisconsin corn growers are giving away free, $20 gift cards to drivers purchasing E85 ethanol fuel Saturday, Oct. 25 at the United Cooperative Cenex, Poynette and Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Tri-Par Qwik Stop, West Bend.

During both events, the first 85 Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) owners who purchase 8.5 gallons or more of E85 between 10 a.m. and noon receive a $20 gift card courtesy of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. Information on ethanol and its many benefits also is available during these events from representatives of the American Lung Association of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board.

“E85 emits lower levels of carbon and other air pollutants that can cause or exacerbate lung disease,” says Dona Wininsky, director of communications for the “For this reason, the fuel has been designated an official Clean Air Choice of the American Lung Association of Wisconsin. American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.”

The positive effects of ethanol reach well beyond the farm and provide returns for every Wisconsin resident through improved air quality, economic development and reduced dependency on foreign oil. Recent studies indicated that local ethanol production is helping reduce fuel prices by increasing domestic supplies, which in turn lowers gas prices an average of 23 cents per gallon nationwide. In the Midwest, where U.S. ethanol production is concentrated, drivers save an average of 40 cents a gallon due to ethanol blends.

In addition, ethanol production provides a high-protein feed for dairy cows, hogs and poultry and contributes millions of dollars to local economies by creating high paying jobs and economic development.

The state Department of Transportation estimates that there are currently over 100,000 Flex Fuel vehicles registered in Wisconsin. For a current list of all Flex Fuel vehicles and Wisconsin stations offering E85, please see www.cleanairchoice.org. For more information on the benefits of ethanol go to www.wicornpro.org.