by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech is back in the news with a budding venture based in manufacturing single-cell protein — usually a side product — as the main product for a new set of biorefineries they have in the pipeline. Plus,
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Back TO HOMEBiodiesel’s Two Decades of Growth in Illinois
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews) Through the foresight of farmers campaigning for a sales tax exemption over two decades ago, biodiesel production in Illinois has increased fifteenfold. The Illinois Soybean Association through the checkoff played a major role in pushing for the
July 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Supreme Court Curbs Federal Agency Power, Overturning Chevron Precedent
by Ann E. Marimow (Washington Post) The Supreme Court on Friday curtailed the power of federal government agencies to regulate vast swaths of American life, overturning a 40-year-old legal precedent long targeted by conservatives who say the government gives unaccountable bureaucrats too
June 28, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA, FDA, and USDA Issue Joint Regulatory Plan for Biotechnology
(U.S. Food and Drug Administration) In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and
May 08, 2024 Read Full Article
Bold Goals Action Group Releases 40 Bold Actions to Accelerate the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Bold Goals Action Group released the final text of the 40 Bold Actions to Accelerate at ABLC 2024. The release capped a year-long, multi-national effort by bioeconomy stakeholders to define specific actions that
March 16, 2024 Read Full Article
NARA: No Path to Reducing Food Loss, Waste 50% by 2030 per Draft US Strategy without Rendering
(North American Renderers Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) The North American Renderers Association is disappointed that rendering was omitted in the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste. The North American Renderers Association has submitted comments to U.S. EPA on the Draft
February 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Yield10 Bioscience Provides an Update on its Omega-3 Camelina Program
(Yield10 Bioscience) -Prioritizes Activities to Advance Omega-3 Camelina Program in 2024; -Reports Completion of Contra Season Production of Omega-3 Camelina Seed in Chile; - Company also Provides Update on Nasdaq Status Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today provided
February 09, 2024 Read Full Article
EU Parliament’s Environmental Committee Supports Relaxing Rules on Genetically Modified Plants
by Samuel Petrequin (Associated Press) Lawmakers on the European Parliament’s environment committee on Wednesday backed a proposal to relax rules on genetically modified plants produced using so-called new genomic techniques, prompting strong criticism from environmental groups. The issue of genetically modified organisms
January 31, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Draft of the National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste PUBLIC COMMENTS DEADLINE January 3, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA, EPA and FDA release draft strategy to prevent the loss and waste of food and increase recycling of organics to support a circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and
December 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Listening Session: Request for Information; Identifying Ambiguities, Gaps, Inefficiencies, and Uncertainties in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology --- January 12, 2023 --- ONLINE
The regulatory agencies and OSTP will host a virtual public listening session on January 12, 2023. If you are interested in registering for the virtual listening session, go to https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IhbckX4VTiacK0AsyiikKQ. If you are interested in additional listening sessions, please contact
January 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Request for Information; Identifying Ambiguities, Gaps, Inefficiencies, and Uncertainties in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology DEADLINE February 3, 2023
(Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)/Federal Register) The National Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative (NBBI) identified biotechnology regulation clarity and efficiency as a priority of the Administration. Thus, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)—on behalf of the
December 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Offtake Agreements – Connecting Hemp Growers with Buyers
by Rachael Z. Ardanuy, Esq. (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, authorized the production of hemp pursuant to USDA and state regulation, and guarantees that hemp
December 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Thune Introduces Bill to Support Hand Sanitizer and Ethanol Production By Extending FDA Guidance
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation that would extend for two years The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency.” Extending
June 12, 2020 Read Full Article
'The Worst May Be behind Us': U.S. Ethanol Industry Says Inching Back from Collapse
Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. ethanol industry is showing some signs of recovery as government officials ease stay-at-home orders that depressed fuel demand, while a vote Friday in Congress could bring the industry one step closer to federal aid, industry
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
FDA Reversal May Block Ethanol Plants from Hand Sanitizer Market
by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) Some ethanol plants who just spent thousands of dollars altering equipment to make hand sanitizer are fuming after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reversed its guidance that relaxed alcohol regulations for hand sanitizer production. FDA updated policy guidelines Wednesday that
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
The Coronavirus and Ethanol Demand Destruction
by Scott Irwin and Todd Hubbs (FarmDocDaily) ... One implication of the virus-related restrictions is that people are driving much less than before, which means that gasoline and ethanol use are declining. The impact on the price of ethanol has
March 27, 2020 Read Full Article
The Hand Sanitizer Market: A Salvation for Beleaguered Ethanol Producers, or Not?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) created exemptions allowing certain alcohol fuel permit holders to sell ethanol (alcohol) for use in the
March 24, 2020 Read Full Article
From the Other Side: Bio-Fuels Co-Products
by Matthew L. Gibson (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... Today I’m going to put on my “Food Production Hat” and share with you some thoughts about where your co-products ultimately end up: Food. What your downstream customers have to deal with. Hopefully,
February 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Could GMOs Help Create Sustainable Food Systems?
by Katherine Baker (Planet Forward/Cornell University) ... Surprisingly, there is no true precise or universal scientific definition of the phrase “GMO,” nor is there any regulation around its use for labeling in the United States, which may contribute to the
January 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Rules and Regulations: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Regulatory Landscapes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How chemical products and novel substances are regulated in the U.S. has a huge impact on the bioeconomy and the companies that are producing bioproducts today. Bergeson & Campbell shares their thoughts on the Toxic Substances
July 26, 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
Opportunities in High-Protein Feed
by Mallorie F. Wilken (ICM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The market is growing and ethanol can play an important role, providing diversified revenue streams. -- ... Traditionally, one cheap source of protein has been distillers grains used in feeding swine, poultry, and dairy and
June 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Hemp Is Hot! The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Industrial Hemp
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Holland & Knight, a law firm based in Washington, D.C. and in the know of the fast changing federal regulations and rules, spoke at the Digest’s webinar this week about the road ahead for industrial hemp.
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
‘The Right Effect’: Yeast Can Be Genetically Modified through Multiple Techniques
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yeast can be genetically modified through multiple techniques, all offering advancements for the ethanol industry. -- Genetically modified (GM) yeasts have found their place in the ethanol industry with more than half of producers routinely using
February 26, 2019 Read Full Article
New FSMA Compliance Program Launched for Biodiesel Producers
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new food safety program has been developed by the Iowa Biodiesel Board to help biodiesel producers comply with the U.S. government’s Food Safety Modernization Act, deadlines for which are quickly approaching. Glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production,
May 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Certification Program Will Help Biodiesel Producers Meet FSMA Requirements
(Iowa Biodisel Board) Iowa Biodiesel Board launches program to meet industry need; Webinar takes place May 10 -- Biodiesel producers who want to sell glycerin that can end up as an animal food ingredient will soon be up against the deadline to
April 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative November 2017 Meetings
(U.S. Food and Drug Administration) The U.S Food and Drug Administration is announcing public meetings to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Francisco, California, regarding its Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative. Congress appropriated $3 million to fund this
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Canadian Ag Company Scores Landmark Food Security Deal with Uruguay
(Canadian Newswire/Agrisoma Biosciences Inc.) Today, Canadian based Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. signed a new partnership with the country of Uruguay introducing a new, renewable, low carbon cash-crop for farmers. The deal gives the Quebec-based company the opportunity to grow its business outside
May 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Helping Trump Help Bioenergy
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Cleantech Conservative/Biofuels Digest) ... The Trump Administration’s two recent Executive Orders on “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” and especially, “Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America” (March 28 & April 25, respectively), not only highlight renewable
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
RFA Trains 200th Ethanol Industry Employee on FSMA Preventive Controls for Animal Food Requirements
by Kelsey Quargnenti (Renewable Fuels Association) This month the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) hit a major milestone with its Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) training program on Preventive Controls for Animal Food. During the latest course, offered in early March in
March 24, 2017 Read Full Article
National Academies Report Finds Future Biotechnology Products May Overwhelm Agencies
(Bergeson & Campbell) On March 9, 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) published a report entitled Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology, prepared by the Committee on Future Biotechnology Products and Opportunities to Enhance Capabilities
March 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor: Disruptive Technology, Feedstocks under the Microscope at ABLC 2017’s Opening Day
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... While there were big questions, there were big answers, beginning with a panel on The Sustainable Agriculture Imperative. John Pieper from Dupont Industrial Biosciences shared their latest work with cellulosic ethanol in the corn
March 02, 2017 Read Full Article
White House Announces Release of Final Update to the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell) On January 4, 2017, the White House announced the release of the 2017 Update to the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. The 2017 Update provides a comprehensive summary of the roles and responsibilities of the
January 09, 2017 Read Full Article
5 Signs Your Current Good Manufacturing Processes Are Ready for the Food Safety Modernization Act
by Phil Cleary (Christianson & Associates/Biofuels Digest) The Food Safety Modernization Act covers the operation of a facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds animal food for sale in the United States. Renewable fuels facilities producing feed co-products are no exception. In
July 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Food & Ag Groups Urge Support for Biotech Education Provision
by Karen Batra (Biotech Now) As the House Committee on Appropriations marks up the FY2017 agriculture spending bill, the Committee is considering $3 million for consumer education and outreach to “promote understanding and acceptance of” biotechnology, a joint effort by the
April 25, 2016 Read Full Article
New, Evolving Coproducts Require Regulatory Due Diligence
by Kurt A. Rosentrator (Distillers Grains Technology Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Altered, novel products may require new AAFCO definitions, GRAS affirmations. -- ... During the past two years, we have reviewed and commented on two key rulings in the Food Safety Modernization Act,
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
What Biodiesel Producers Should Know about Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) If your glycerin or free fatty acids may find their way into the food or feed supply, you must comply with the daunting Food Safety Modernization Act -- ... Moreover, if you’re a grease collector and
January 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Diverse Parties Say Federal Biotech Rules Confusing
by Pat Rizzuto (BNA) The federal approach to regulating bioengineered products is a confusing labyrinth, according to companies, trade associations, advocacy groups and scientists. Companies must follow a maze to identify which agencies may have jurisdiction over a bioengineered product and
December 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: OSTP Seeks Comment on Clarifying Current Roles and Responsibilities Described in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, PC) On October 6, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit relevant data and information, including case studies that may assist in the development of
October 07, 2015 Read Full Article
FDA Releases Details of FSMA Rule, Extends Compliance Deadlines
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Meeting a court directed deadline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration submitted the final rule for the Food Safety Modernization Act for publication at the end of August, releasing information on its website on
September 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Feeding Cattle with Post Lipid Extracted Microalgae
by Jacquelyn Prestegaard (Algae Industry Magazine) Livestock scientists see microalgae’s potential as a sustainable, high-energy feedstuff as well as a protein supplement. Among those scientists are Dr. Megan Van Emon, Assistant Professor at Montana State University, Dr. Daniel Loy, Professor of
August 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: White House Directs EPA, FDA, and USDA to Update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.) With little fanfare or advanced notice to the general public, on July 2, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the U.S. Trade Representative, and
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
What Food Safety Act Means for Ethanol Plants
Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in 2011 and this summer the rulemaking for the new act might finally be complete. Because it includes safety of animal food as well as human food,
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Wanted: Antibiotic-Free Chicken
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Consumer-driven changes peck their way up the food chain to distillers grains producers. ... The move to minimize or eliminate nontherapeutic use of antibiotics in meat production is a response to the increasing
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA Comments on FDA Animal Food Supplemental Rulemaking
(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration last on its supplemental rulemaking proposal outlining best practices for the regulation of animal food under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The FSMA lays
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
New Food Safety Rules Mean Big Changes
by Andrew Anderson (Faegre Baker Daniels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although several new requirements in the FSMA may impact ethanol plants, writes Andrew Anderson of Faegre Baker Daniels, the preventative control rule is likely the one that will have the most significant
November 20, 2014 Read Full Article
DDG Manufacturers Seek Better Understanding of FSMA Compliance
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A popular breakout session at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference discussed the potential impacts the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act may have on plant operations. Paula Emberland of Christian
August 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Are We There Yet? The Positioning and Repositioning of the Algae Industry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Today, we look at algae’s promise in 2008 and progress now. Has the industry repositioned? ... Then, it was Aurora Biofuels — now it’s Aurora Algae. Them, it was Solix Biofuels, now it is Solix Biosystems. Then,
June 30, 2014 Read Full Article
FDA Responds to Crafter Brewers' Concerns on FSMA
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In mid-April, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) wrote to the FDA commissioner, urging the agency exempt raw agricultural commodities, distillers grains and other byproducts. In the letter, Johanns wrote, “I am concerned about FDA
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Missouri University Researchers Make Soybeans Healthier
by Angela Pearson (KBIA) On November 7, the Food and Drug Administration made a preliminary decision. That decision stated trans fats as unsafe in food. Trans fats are found in most processed foods. A team at the University of Missouri is already
November 21, 2013 Read Full Article
Camelina on the Move: Global Clean Energy Holdings Acquires Sustainable Oils
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Global Clean Energy Holdings announced that it has acquired Sustainable Oils, a leader in Camelina genetics and production. The acquisition includes 100% ownership interest of Sustainable Oils and the ownership of the key intellectual
March 15, 2013 Read Full Article
Antibiotic Residues in DDGS Pose Little Risk
(Pork Network) With recent increased attention by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the use of antibiotics in livestock production, industry experts are turning their attention to potential non-farm sources of antibiotic residues. Could distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
FDA Has No Jurisdiction Here—Or Does It?
by Sarah Brew and Steve Toeniskoetter (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Faegre Baker Daniels) Pop quiz time—which federal agencies regulate your plant? Did your answer include the Food and Drug Administration? If your plant produces distillers grains, corn oil or similar products for
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
FEW: 'Feed is Food' Cautions Panel
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Food Safety Modernization Act is changing how ethanol producers do business, and it’s shifting focus on just being fuel producers that incidentally make a feed coproduct, to being fuel—and food—producers. “Feed is food,”
July 05, 2011 Read Full Article
Antibiotics Clarified in Grainy Picture
(SeparationsNow.com) The burgeoning alternative fuels industry has led to a paralleled increase in related industries based on the side products of fuels processing. A prime example of this is the production of bioethanol from corn in a dry grinding process, which