BIO Applauds Multi-Agency Framework for Advancing the Bioeconomy

Washington, D.C. (March 5, 2019) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today released the following statement in response to the release of The Bioeconomy Initiative: Implementation Framework, a multi-agency strategy aimed at accelerating innovative technologies that harness the nation’s biomass resources for affordable biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower:

“BIO applauds both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as the other federal agencies involved, for working together to create this coordinated framework to advance the bioeconomy. The release of the report demonstrates that the federal government understands the important role biobased technologies, including new agriculture and industrial technologies, have in advancing economic opportunities across the United States. 

“From the development of low carbon fuels like advanced and cellulosic biofuels to reduce the transportation sector’s dependence on foreign oil; to biobased products, renewable chemicals and ingredients engineered using green chemistry to reduce waste and environmental impact and bolster domestic manufacturing, biotechnology will play a critical role in harnessing the nation’s biomass resources to advance the bioeconomy and drive sustainability.

“BIO and its member companies look forward to working across federal agencies to meet the goals included in this coordinated framework. To further these goals, BIO looks forward to working with USDA in implementing the 2018 Farm Bill’s energy title programs which will be critical to advancing the bioeconomy.”