by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation deck outlines the USDA Rural Development (RD) initiatives to bolster the bioeconomy. It highlights RD’s key priorities, including promoting equity, combating climate change, and expanding markets for rural communities. The presentation deck details how
Biopreferred
Back TO HOMEOMB Regulatory Agenda Outlines Upcoming RFS, HBIIP And CO2 Pipeline Rulemakings
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on July 5 published its 2024 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which outlines rulemakings and other actions under development by various federal agencies related to the Renewable
July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Boozman Unveils Senate Ag Republicans Framework Answering Call to Put More Farm in the Farm Bill
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after unveiling the Senate Republican-drafted framework answering the call for a farmer-focused
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Stabenow, Thompson Release Outlines For 2024 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., on May 1 released outlines for competing versions of the 2024 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is
May 02, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Releases Latest Economic Impact Report on Bioeconomy
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Latest Economic Impact Report Shows a Thriving and Resilient Bioeconomy Despite Impacts of the Global Pandemic -- USDA Rural Development (RD) released “An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: 2023 Update," which demonstrates how the biobased products
March 28, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Releases Plan to Strengthen the Bioeconomy through a More Resilient Biomass Supply Chain
by Lynn Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released on March 14, 2024, a report entitled Building a Resilient Biomass Supply: A Plan to Enable the Bioeconomy in America, “a plan that will boost biomass supply chain
March 18, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Celebrates Second National Biobased Products Day
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) New Report Shows Biobased Products Contribute $489 Billion to the U.S. Economy, Supporting Jobs in Every State -- Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is honoring the second annual National Biobased Products Day, a celebration to raise
March 08, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Proposes Streamlined Regulation for Biobased Markets (BioPreferred) Program Public Comments DEADLINE March 25, 2024
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson and Campbell) The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), an agency of the Rural Development mission area within U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), issued a proposed rule on January 24, 2024, that would adopt changes
February 19, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Rural Development and the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA mission serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science-based public policy leadership in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues with a commitment to deliverable equitable and
January 11, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Programs Supporting the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service manages a wide array of programs designed to support and accelerate deployment of the bioeconomy at scale. Among them, the Biobased Markets Program (BioPreferred®) – Sec. 9002, Bioenergy
November 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Farm Bill, Budget Extension Goes to President's Desk
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The farm bill extension tied to short-term federal funding passed the Senate Wednesday night on an 87-11 vote and now goes to President Joe Biden to avoid the risk of another government shutdown. On the farm
November 16, 2023 Read Full Article
Opinion: Climate Change and Hunger Are Here Now—a New Farm Bill Can’t Wait
by Beth Ellikidis (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Agri-Pulse) ... One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our climate is by getting more of the energy we use from above the ground instead of beneath it. The biotech company LanzaTech genetically engineers microbes to
October 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Biotechnology Organization Lists Farm Bill Priorities
by Sabrina Halvorson (Southeast AgNet Radio Network) Farm Bill priorities for the biotech industry. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) says the next Farm Bill offers opportunities to invest in long-term food security, climate resiliency, and growing the
August 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Klobuchar Introduces Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., on July 20 introduced the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, which aims to strengthen the USDA’s BioPreferred Program. Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., are cosponsoring the
July 26, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Rural Business – Cooperatives Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support of the bioeconomy and access to capital for Commercialization of emerging technologies; Production of biofuels and renewable chemicals and manufacturing of biobased products;
April 13, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA Celebrates Inaugural National Biobased Products Day
(U.S. Department of Energy) Department Also Announces BioPreferred® Program “Excellence in Procurement” Award Winners for 2022 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today kicked off the inaugural National Biobased Products Day and highlighted the accomplishments of people and organizations working
March 08, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum: SAF, Carbon Markets, and the Future of Biotechnology
by Dimitar Alimaskoski (BIO.News) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held the 99th Agricultural Outlook Forum last week, where many speakers highlighted the potential of biotechnology and bio-based products. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack opened the event by promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable aviation fuel, and other
March 01, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA Western Regional Research Center
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA Western Regional Research Center has ~350 people, ~45 in bioproducts & biofuels. It’s part of the Agricultural Research Service, the ARS is the in-house research arm of the USDA. They partner with companies
February 27, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support of the bioeconomy and access to capital for Commercialization of emerging technologies; Production of biofuels and renewable chemicals and manufacturing of biobased products;
February 23, 2023 Read Full Article
OMB Agenda Confirms Timelines for RFS, E15, Biopreferred Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 4 published its 2022 Fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, confirming the expected timeline on federal rulemakings related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, E15 sales
January 05, 2023 Read Full Article
2023 Farm Bill Climate Side-by-Sides/2023 Farm Bill Hearing Trackers
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Roughly every five years, Congress passes a Farm Bill, covering a wide range of issues from conservation to rural development to food and nutrition. Congress is working to reauthorize the Farm Bill as the 2018 Farm
December 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Holds Hearing on Farm Bill Energy Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on Nov. 15 continued its work to develop the 2023 Farm Bill with a hearing focused on rural development and energy programs. The Higher Blends Infrastructure
November 16, 2022 Read Full Article
CRS Publishes Primer on the Bioeconomy
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (B&C Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) The Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a CRS report, updated on September 19, 2022, entitled The Bioeconomy: A Primer. The report provides an overview of the bioeconomy, details
October 03, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The commercialization of emerging tech, the production of biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products – these are some of the things the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service is working on. Find out about their Guaranteed
June 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Stabenow and Klobuchar Lead Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Strengthen Federal Support for U.S. Biobased Economy
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) Today, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking the administration to take a meaningful step
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Moving Emerging Tech and Rural Development Forward: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA RBCS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support the bioeconomy and rural economic development, so what are some of these programs? What are some of the biogas and biobased programs and
December 24, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Reveals Expected Timeline for Post-2022 RFS Rule, Other Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to publish a proposed rule setting Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023 and beyond next spring. A variety of other rulemakings impacting biofuel producers are
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition Supports Letter from Congress Members Veasey and Granger to Ag Secretary Vilsack about BioPreferred® Program Problems
The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition supports a bipartisan letter from Texas Members of Congress, Marc Veasey (D-TX 33) and Kay Granger (R-TX 12) to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding flaws in the USDA BioPreferred® Program. Requests include: • Provide a
July 19, 2021 Read Full Article
CALL FOR SPEAKERS: Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Conference and Expo — November 14-16, 2021 — National Harbor, MD DEADLINE August 31, 2021
This is the FIRST AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference! The conference will focus on promoting the USDA’s BioPreferred® Program* throughout this two-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 14,
July 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Conference and Expo --- November 14-16, 2021 --- National Harbor, MD Recorded Presentations Published
This is the FIRST AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference! The conference will focus on promoting the USDA's BioPreferred® Program* throughout this two-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 14,
July 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Transitioning to a Sustainable Bioeconomy with Algae Biofuels and Biomaterials – Policy Directions for 2021 and Beyond
(Algae Biomass Organization) ... Algae, encompassing photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic aquatic organisms including microalgae and seaweeds (macroalgae), create a highly versatile and tunable platform for the development of fuels and products. In most cases, large scale algae production can be done
April 01, 2021 Read Full Article
The Global Industrial Bioeconomy Opportunity: Is Canada Going to Get Serious?
by Jim Passmore (Passmore Group Inc/Biofuels Digest) If you heard Canada is sitting on an untapped $200 billion/year sustainable economic development opportunity for forestry, agriculture and municipal solid waste, would you not want to hear more? In its May 2020 report “The
March 23, 2021 Read Full Article
WEBINARS: DigestConnect --- various dates
(Biofuels Digest) DigestConnect is a weekly online get-together for the bioeconomy, featuring trendsetters and online commentary by real leaders on the real issues. DigestConnect #9 is here. Today we are joined by Joanne Ivancic with Advanced Biofuels USA, Graham Noyes of
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Greenprint for Biomanufacturing and Sustainable Supply Chains: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Biostrategy 2020 in a Post-COVID World
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As biology ravages the global economy, we have a once-in-a-lifetime, trillion-dollar opportunity to help shape how biology will also rebuild it, reports Synbiobeta. We can redefine the economy, supply chains, and manufacturing at local, state, national,
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA’s BioPreferred Program and Opportunities for a Green Recovery: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to the 2020 Green Recovery
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) During last week’s DigestConnect webinar, Kate Lewis from USDA’s BioPreferred Program shared this slide guide on how there is a refresh going on with biobased products driven largely by Millennials, the growth in intermediates even
May 04, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Rural Development, BioPreferred Program and More: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA’s Bioproducts to Market Efforts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA made a big announcement recently on targeting 30% biofuels by 2050, but did you know there are many ways they have been adding value to agricultural products to help the rural economy? Did you
March 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Biosynthetic® Technologies Commercializes Its First in Class High-Performing Biobased Synthetic Motor Oil Using High-Oleic Soybean Oil from Soybeans Grown by U.S. Farmers.
(Biosynthetic® Technologies/PR Newswire) Biosynthetic® Technologies today announced the commercial availability of a high-performing biobased synthetic motor oil using high-oleic soybean oil from soybeans grown by U.S. farmers. The Department of Defense and Washington, D.C. area fleet demonstrations found the product meets or exceeds their
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Sizzlin’ Summit: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Algae in the 2019 Farm Bill
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At the hot and happenin’ Algae Biomass Summit in Orlando, Florida,Steve Mayfield, Director at UCSD California Center for Algae Biotechnology and Martin Sabarksy, CEO of Cellana, gave this illuminating introduction of some of the latest
September 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Your Vegan Diet and Paper Straws Aren’t Going to Save the Planet, But These Three Policies Can
by John Cumbers (Forbes) When it comes to action on climate change, what’s good for the planet must also benefit the economy and the livelihoods of people, which are more often than not at the forefront of the minds of voters
September 23, 2019 Read Full Article
USDA to Amend Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement
(Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Procurement and Property Management published a final rule on July 5, 2019, that will amend the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement (Guidelines) to add 30 sections designating the product
July 09, 2019 Read Full Article
All About Algae: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to ABO
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae Biomass Organization advocates for algae-advancing policy and funding, serves as a hub for innovation and networking, and drives demand for “made with algae” products and services. Mark Allen, Chairperson of ABO, offers this enlightening overview of
July 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Algae Agriculture Triumphs in Farm Bill Compromise
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic day for the algae industry, the U.S. Senate Tuesday approved a Farm Bill compromise that dramatically expands federal support for algae agriculture. The bill sets U.S. farm policy through 2023. It is expected to pass the House
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
It’s Past Midnight: Do You Know Where Funds for Your Farm Bill Energy Title Programs Stand?
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) On September 30th, the 2018 Farm Bill officially expired. And while both chambers of Congress passed their respective bills, the final version of the legislation that supports the agricultural sector in the U.S. is
October 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Surfactants, 100% Renewable and Biobased: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Croda’s Eco Range
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Croda’s new Eco Range of surfactants is 100% renewable and 100% biobased. Croda’s is the first plant of its type in North America to produce 100% renewable, 100% biobased surfactants. The versatile bio-ethylene oxide plant can accept
July 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Sen. Tina Smith Tells Senate Agriculture Committee Leaders that Farm Bill Energy Programs Are Key to Reviving Lagging Farm Economy
(Office of Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)) Senator Leads Bipartisan Push for Strong Funding and Focus on Energy As Senate Begins Work on Farm Bill in Coming Days -- As the Senate prepares to begin work on the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S Senator
June 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Breaking News: Attack on Farm Bill Clean Energy Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Breaking news arrives from the Ag Energy Coalition regarding the 2018 Farm Bill. Green Capiltol’s Lloyd Ritter writes: Rep. Biggs farm bill amendment was made in order by the Rules Committee last night to eviscerate the
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
House Committee Passes 2018 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In a statement, House Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., criticized the legislation, calling it “a flawed bill that is the result of a bad nontransparent process.” Cuts to Energy Title programs are among
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Draft 2018 Farm Bill Reauthorizes Energy Title Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, released a draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially titled the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. The legislation reauthorizes many bioenergy-related programs, but
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Rural Issues Growing Jobs and Rural Economies: The Farm Bill’s Energy Title
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Since their inception in the 2002 Farm Bill, Energy Title (Title IX) programs have helped farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and rural communities generate thousands of jobs and millions in economic development. The sectors impacted by
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA and Its Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and technologies that support the production of biofuels and biobased
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Biobased Buzz: Renewable Propylene Glycol – Early Success in Renewable Chemical Market
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... According to the Department of Energy, substitution of renewable propylene glycol made from biomass can reduce greenhouse gases by 61 percent, as compared to using petroleum-based propylene glycol. The process for converting biomass
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
The Bioeconomy, #1 Catalyst for Rural Development: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA and Rural Development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Outgoing Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack put it best: “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and
January 13, 2017 Read Full Article
DG-Based Resins Spring into Plastics
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nebraska’s Laurel Biocomposite produces biomaterials for thermoset applications. -- Laurel Biocomposite LLC is using distillers grains to create biomaterials that will be used in lawn and gardening products across the United States this spring. The
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
A Conversation with US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
(Industrial Biotechnology) ... My current assessment is that there exists an unlimited sense of opportunity in the biobased products and bioenergy sector. I look at the work being done at the USDA, which is extensive and has been helpful in getting
March 08, 2016 Read Full Article
The Revolution in Biobased Materials: The Digest’s 8-Slide Guide to the USDA BioPreferred Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. The BioPreferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Highlights 2015 Bioeconomy Achievements
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Several of the achievements listed by the USDA benefited the bioenergy and biofuels sectors. Under the category of climate change achievements, the department highlighted its work with the U.S. EPA to set the first-ever
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final Rules on Biobased Products
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 15, the USDA’s Office of Procurement and Property Management published two final rules in the Federal Register related to biobased products. One rule amends regulations concerning the voluntary labeling program for biobased products,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The US Bioeconomy: $369B and 4 Million Jobs Strong, says USDA; Changes to the BioPreferred program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of a new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry in 2013 contributed four million jobs and $369 billion to the US economy. He also announced changes under
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
New Report Shows U.S. Biobased Products Industry Contributes $369 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to American Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) 2014 Farm Bill provisions will expand opportunities in the biobased sector by promoting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing efforts Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a new report that shows the
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Unleashing the Power of the Bio-Economy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recommendations from the Milken Institute — and a group of industry heavyweights — to accelerate the bioeconomy revolution. In California this week, the Milken Institute released a good read on the future of the bioeconomy, based
March 06, 2013 Read Full Article
The USDA’s BioPreferred Program – in Suspended Animation — What Next?
by Jim Lane (BioBased Digest) ... It is a program that encourages companies to voluntarily register the amount of biobased content in their products — and, for those that pass a minimum content threshold, the BioPreferred program and its team
February 21, 2013 Read Full Article
Coalition Urges New Farm Bill for Energy
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) today urged Congress to begin work on a new five-year Farm Bill with strong mandatory funding for energy programs. The coalition notes that programs included in the farm bill Energy Title including
January 23, 2013 Read Full Article
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