Ernst Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen American Biomanufacturing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act to expand domestic manufacturing of renewable, biobased products – materials made from agricultural commodities like Iowa-grown corn and soybeans – in order to create new markets, boost demand for farm products, and generate new jobs across rural America.
Specifically, this bill strengthens the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program, which promotes the use of American-made biobased products as sustainable alternatives to conventional, petroleum-derived materials such as plastic. By doing so, the bill supports innovation in rural communities, expands economic opportunities for farmers, and reduces dependence on foreign-made products.
“For too long, we’ve allowed China and other foreign nations to eat our lunch in biomanufacturing,” said Senator Ernst. “As leaders in corn and soybean production, Iowa’s farmers are uniquely positioned to supply the ag feedstocks used to make biobased products and play a key role in reshoring valuable manufacturing jobs. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to reduce our reliance on our adversaries while supporting our farmers and jobs in Iowa.”
“As our farmers deal with all kinds of changes, we must work to open up new markets and new opportunities for our farmers in Michigan to sell their products,” said Senator Slotkin. “In Michigan, we grow things and we are really good at it. But forces beyond a farmer’s control often make reaching new markets difficult. Our bill works to strengthen USDA’s programs around biobased products so that we support our farmers and improve their ability to sell their products to biobased producers.”
“Biomanufacturing is crucial for developing new commodity markets, driving economic growth, and creating jobs,” said Senator 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 Slotkin.”
“Farms, ranches, and agri-businesses are the economic backbone of Nebraska and America. This bill strengthens markets and encourages innovation,” said Senator Ricketts. “It promotes value-added agriculture. That’s a win for consumers, the environment, and for farmers and ranchers.”
“As global demand grows for homegrown solutions, the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act provides a critical opportunity to strengthen America’s leadership in the bioeconomy,” said James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. “By modernizing USDA’s BioPreferred Program, this legislation not only supports the adoption of plant-based products but also creates good-paying jobs, drives rural economic growth, and delivers meaningful environmental benefits.”
“The Corn Refiners Association is proud to support this legislative effort and looks forward to working with Congress, industry stakeholders, and rural leaders to ensure the continued advancement of the U.S. bioeconomy,” said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “This legislation responds to growing consumer demand for American-made, corn-derived bioproducts. It’s a smart investment in manufacturing, rural economies, and our national competitiveness.”
“The American ag bioeconomy is poised to be a tremendous economic success story by offering new revenue streams for farmers and new product options for consumers,” said Ag Bioeconomy Coalition spokesperson Kent Roberson. “Strong policy to support the next generation of biobased products will ensure that the investments made in today’s industry are returned through tomorrow’s global leadership in this growing industry. ABC welcomes this legislation and stands ready to assist Congress in efforts to sign it into law.”
Read the bill here.
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