The corn-based alternative fuel is all the rage after months of high oil prices. Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland is staying atop U.S. ethanol production by building two giant refineries.

By contrast, Minnetonka-based Cargill is getting involved with ethanol startup firms. They’re providing assistance by helping to secure corn shipments, set up rail shipping and assist in marketing.

Cargill officials said they want to be careful because ethanol is still an uncertain bet — it relies on government subsidies and is subject to price swings in the corn and natural gas markets. The agribusiness said it is looking for opportunities that will let it get involved in product development while minimizing its own risk.