Klobuchar introduces Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., on July 20 introduced the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, which aims to strengthen the USDA’s BioPreferred Program. Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., are cosponsoring the bill.

Following its introduction, the legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

According to information released by Klobuchar’s office, the bill aims to strengthen markets for famers while also supporting good-paying manufacturing jobs. As part of that effort, it would update the existing BioPreferred Program to allow the USDA to set acceptable price premiums under the program, require federal agencies to increase their procurement of biobased-only contracts or biobased volume purchased under those contracts; and improve reporting of biobased products that are purchased through online federal procurement systems.

The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act is endorsed by, Agriculture Energy Coalition, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Clean Fuels Alliance American, Corn Refiners Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Industrial Hemp Council of America, National Hemp Association, Plant Based Product Council and Renewable Fuels Association. 

“Biomanufacturing is crucial for developing new commodity markets, driving economic growth, and creating jobs,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to support our farmers while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels with Senator Ernst, Senator Ricketts, and Senator Stabenow, who has been a longtime champion for the Biopreferred program.” 

“The introduction of the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act is a huge step forward for the plant-based products industry and will help the U.S. remain competitive on a global scale,” said Jessica Bowman, executive director, Plant Based Products Council. “The BioPreferred program is the ag bioeconomy’s leading voice across the federal government and these updates, which we have championed since our inception in 2019, will go far to promote our goal of creating a more circular bioeconomy through greater adoption of renewable, plant-based materials. We are particularly optimistic about the new opportunity for public-private partnerships to promote bioproducts to the public at large. PBPC thanks Senators Klobuchar, Ernst, Stabenow, and Ricketts for introducing this important legislation.” 

“Corn refiners are grateful to Senators Klobuchar, Ernst, Stabenow, and Ricketts for prioritizing investment in the modernization of USDA’s BioPreferred program,” said John Bode, president and CEO, Corn Refiners Association. America’s food and agriculture industries are responsible for nearly 20 percent – or $8.6 trillion – of the nation’s economic activity. Agriculture-based manufacturing is driving new job opportunities nationwide and the biobased products industry is an important contributor to that growth. The ag bioeconomy presents one of the most promising and innovative opportunities to bolster rural economic development, while simultaneously addressing supply chain and climate challenges.”

“The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition is delighted to have Senators Klobuchar, Ernst, Stabenow, and Ricketts leading the effort to modernize USDA’s BioPreferred program,” said Robin Bowen, Ag Bioeconomy Coalition.  USDA is an essential partner alongside our country’s farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs in growing the U.S. biobased products industry. A revitalized BioPreferred program is a crucial tool in promoting a diverse, robust ag bioeconomy domestically and in expanding U.S. bioeconomy competitiveness globally.”