Farm Bill Will Open Opportunities in Renewable Chemicals and Biobased Manufacturing

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) on final passage in the Senate of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. BIO also thanked the energy title’s many champions in the Senate, including Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, noted, ”The Farm Bill’s energy programs are now open to renewable chemical technologies that create new manufacturing opportunities and jobs while improving U.S. economic competitiveness. The Biorefinery Assistance Program has already helped secure millions in private capital for advanced biofuel projects and will now provide certainty for investors in the renewable chemicals and biobased manufacturing sector.

“By renewing funding for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program and creating a path to insure purpose-grown energy crops against disaster, Congress is also making an important investment in the future of U.S. agriculture. BIO thanks Senator Stabenow for her consistent leadership on the Farm Bill and particularly the energy title. With stable policy over the next five years, this Farm Bill can continue to support economic growth and create employment opportunities in rural communities across the country.”