Large national and regional banks, and hundreds of community banks, have played a major role in financing ethanol, providing 55% of the funding since the beginning of 2004, according to a new study by the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America.

According to the study done by New Energy Finance Ltd, Farm Credit System institutions have provided less than 10% of the total capital for ethanol projects during the same period. More than $15 billion has flowed into U.S. ethanol projects in the past four years.

To see the full report, go to www.aba.com/aba/documents/News/EthanolReport121407.pdf.