On May 23, 2016, USDA announced that a team of U.S. ethanol industry leaders would travel to Mexico with Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse to explore opportunities to expand the United States' and Mexico's renewable energy industries.

The trip occurred on May 24-25, 2016, with mission participants sharing their experiences with ethanol production and developing renewable fuel policies. The goal of the trip was to demonstrate how Mexico can implement its own renewable fuels program by taking advantage of Mexican grown sugarcane.

Supporting the development of a Mexican ethanol industry will provide mutual benefits to citizens from both Mexico and the U.S., through access to an increased quantity of inexpensive renewable energy that reduces dependence on foreign oil.