COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One of the answers to America’s dependence on foreign oil is now growing in Miami Valley farm fields. It’s corn.

The production of corn-based ethanol is on the rise, and it has prompted more demand for corn.

In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Dwayne Siekman of the Ohio Corn Growers Association said market prices for corn are looking up.

“Farmers have responded to those market prices by planting more corn in Ohio than we’ve seen in a long time. We’ve gone from 3.15 million acres of corn to 4 million acres of corn, Siekman said.

Siekman and other ethanol supporters toured the state Monday with several vehicles that run on ethanol fuel, known as E85. He kicked off the tour with an event at the Ohio Statehouse.

A growing number of flex-fuel cars and trucks can use either unleaded gas or E85.

Doug O’Brien, Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, said the future of renewable fuels in Ohio and across the nation looks bright.

O’Brien said, “Exactly how that future will pan out, I don’t think anyone can say. But I think biofuels will be an essential piece of the puzzle.”

The Miami Valley will play an important part of providing ethanol to the nation. A new ethanol plant in Greenville is scheduled to begin production late this year.

Siekman said, “This plant will be the largest ethanol plant in the state of Ohio. It will utilize between 30 and 35 million bushels of corn annually.”

The plant will not only create new jobs but also boost business for local farmers.

E85 fuel is now available at 44 gas stations around Ohio.

The Miami Valley locations are:

Gas America 2631 W Alex Rd, Dayton

Kroger 4506 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights

Kroger 751 W Market St.,Troy

Kroger 2728 E Main St, Springfield

Champaign Landmark 304 Bloomfield Ave.,Urbana

Jim.otte@whiotv.com