UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Green Plains Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(402) 884-8700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On June 19, 2014, the Board of Directors of Green Plains Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Mr. Sidney Eugene (“Gene”) Edwards, Jr. as a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Edwards’ initial term will expire in May 2016.

Mr. Edwards served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Valero Energy Corporation until his retirement in April 2014. He began his 32-year career at Valero as an Analyst in Planning & Economics and spent his tenure with Valero in various managerial positions in Planning and Economics, Refinery Operations, Business Development, and Marketing. Mr. Edwards was a key driver in Valero’s entry into the ethanol business and helped the segment become a successful part of its overall business. He served on the Board of Directors of CST Brands Inc. from May 2013 to December 2013. Mr. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

There are no family relationships between Mr. Edwards and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers, and Mr. Edwards has not had any material direct or indirect interest in any of the Company’s transactions or proposed transactions over the last two years.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Edwards will receive compensation according to the Company’s director compensation schedule, which includes annual cash compensation of $75,000 plus an annual restricted stock grant equal to $100,000 in value, as measured on the date of the grant.

The Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Edwards’ appointment as a member of its Board of Directors, which is included as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.