The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) and the Plant Based Products Council (PBCC) are leading the charge in Washington, D.C., to advocate for policies that bolster the U.S. bioeconomy. Danielle Beck, representing both organizations, recently met with Maci Carter of the Oklahoma Farm Report to discuss the industry’s legislative priorities, emphasizing the critical role of domestic feedstock in fueling economic growth and national security.
The Strategic Importance of the Bioeconomy
The American bioeconomy is a significant economic engine, responsible for 4 million jobs and generating nearly $500 billion in annual economic impact. Beck highlights that while the U.S. grows the world’s best feedstock, the goal is to ensure the entire manufacturing lifecycle remains on domestic soil.
“If we’re growing the best feedstocks globally, which we are… let’s figure out how we can do all that manufacturing here on domestic soil as well so that our consumers are able to enjoy products that are not only grown but then produced here at home”.
Farm Bill and Legislative Priorities
A primary focus for the CRA is the reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Specifically, the industry is pushing for the five-year reauthorization of the USDA BioPreferred Program, which Beck compares to the “Energy Star” program at the Department of Energy.
Key objectives for the program include:
- Uniform Terminology: Establishing clear definitions for “biobased” and “plant-based” products to provide clarity for both businesses and consumers.
- Market Confidence: Creating a consistent framework that allows companies to invest and market their products safely.
- Critical Infrastructure: Investing in technologies and policies that expand market uses for domestic feedstocks like corn, soy, algae, and woody biomass.
Innovation through Policy and Regulation
Beyond the Farm Bill, the CRA is advocating for tax legislation to bolster manufacturing and innovation for plant-based product manufacturers. Beck noted the importance of collaborating with the administration to streamline regulations and protect domestic markets through sound trade policy.
“We think there’s a lot of opportunity for us to partner with the administration… recognizing that the advanced bioproduct space is one of national security importance”.
As the legislative session continues, the CRA remains focused on moving appropriations bills through regular order to ensure the USDA has the necessary funding to implement these vital programs.
