BIO Statement on the Senate Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill

“BIO congratulates the Senate on the bipartisan passage of its comprehensive version of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“This legislation will enable rural communities to contribute to U.S. energy security, revitalize domestic manufacturing, and build new markets for American agriculture.

“BIO applauds Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for including key reforms to the energy title that will allow companies to commercialize renewable chemicals, biobased products, and other industrial biotechnology applications. This will create entirely new value chains for sustainable supplies of renewable raw materials, benefitting our nation’s farmers and rural communities and strengthening the biobased economy.  

“BIO also thanks Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for her leadership in securing mandatory funding for energy title programs at 2014 farm bill levels and the cosponsors of her bipartisan amendment – Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Bob Casey (D-PA) – which was adopted in the committee markup by unanimous consent. These energy title programs support investment in and adoption of advanced and cellulosic biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products through research, consumer education, market development programs, and financial grants and loan guarantees.

“At a time of uncertainty on issues vital to our nation’s agricultural economy, this legislation will help to provide confidence that our nation will continue to support strong safety nets and access to much-needed tools to our nation’s farmers.

“BIO looks forward to working with members of both the House and Senate to preserve these important protections, reforms, and funding of the energy title and, ultimately, pass a final farm bill that will help strengthen the biobased economy, create good paying jobs and help revitalize rural economies across the country.”