BIO Applauds Strengthening of the USDA BioPreferred Program

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today applauded President Obama’s directive to expand and strengthen the USDA BioPreferred program.

BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood said, “The USDA’s BioPreferred program provides important federal leadership that can expand consumer demand for renewable products made from biomass, such as agricultural residues and energy crops. Biobased products meet consumer demand for items that are affordable and healthier for the environment. The United States is well positioned to use its leadership in biotechnology, agricultural productivity and manufacturing innovation to build a biobased economy.”

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, added, “Expanding biobased production can also reduce our reliance on foreign oil and generate new jobs in manufacturing, agricultural production and forestry. The biobased product industry already employs more than 50,000 people in the United States and can generate tens of thousands more in the next five years. Policies that provide technology neutral support to biobased products and renewable chemicals, such as the BioPreferred program, can help the industry continue its progress.”