Farm Bill Energy Title Will Support Employment Opportunities in Renewable Energy and Chemicals

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), and Reps. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), Aaron Schock (R-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif) on final passage in the House of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.

BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood yesterday sent a letter to Congressmembers urging passage of the Farm Bill, writing, “The Farm Bill conference report is a good bill that will drive the growth of America’s 21st Century bio-based economy.”

The letter continued, “In particular, BIO supports Farm Bill provisions that:

• provide long-overdue eligibility to renewable chemicals under the Section 9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program;
• strengthen the Biobased Markets Program to accelerate market awareness of these technologies; 
• prioritize research and development on crop insurance options for purpose-grown energy crops; and
• ensure mandatory funding for core energy programs.”

Greenwood added, “The Farm Bill energy programs have helped rural communities create thousands of jobs and secure millions in economic activity. With stable policy and necessary investments over the next five years, the programs will continue to build a record of success.”