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PBPC Welcomes Legislation That Would Grow American Ag Bioeconomy
March 31, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck released a statement following the introduction of the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act, bipartisan legislation from Reps. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) that would provide incentives to promote infrastructure development for the promising American plant-based products industry.
“America’s farmers and innovators are uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of renewable materials and domestic manufacturing. This legislation helps unlock that potential by supporting investment in U.S. biomanufacturing facilities producing plant-based products from a range of agricultural commodities. These products reduce reliance on fossil resources, strengthen critical supply chains, and support vibrant rural economies,” said Glueck. “By making it easier to scale biobased manufacturing here at home, Congress can ensure the United States leads the globe while making renewable materials, chemicals, and products more accessible and affordable for American consumers.”
BACKGROUND
The American ag bioeconomy, already a $489 billion industry that employs nearly 4 million people, is poised for growth. The market for renewable products is expected to grow by $550 billion by 2050.
The U.S. is a global leader in research to convert American-grown commodities into plant-based products demanded by consumers, but much of the commercialization of that research is occurring in Europe and Asia.
The Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act would offer tax incentives to expand production capacity for plant-based products in the U.S., offering strong markets for American producers, a wider array of product options for consumers, and critical support for domestic innovation.
The incentives would include $0.10 per pound of qualified renewable products produced in a given year or a 30% investment tax credit to offset construction and retrofitting costs for manufacturing facilities. It would exclude food and fuel and the use of feedstocks grown outside the U.S., stimulating rural economies and meeting growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives to familiar products.
According to PBPC’s 2025 Consumer Trends Research, consumers are seeking out plant-based products as part of their regular purchasing patterns. In fact, 86% of consumers reported plans to purchase plant-based products over the next three months.
The research also showed that incentives to support the growth of the American ag bioeconomy enjoy broad bipartisan support among consumers. That survey of 1,000 consumers from across the country found 73% supported federal incentives to expand plant-based product manufacturing in the U.S. The support was reflected across consumers who self-identify as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.
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About the Plant Based Products Council
The Plant Based Products Council is an association of like-minded organizations that are advocating for a shift toward a more circular bioeconomy through greater adoption of renewable, plant-based materials supported by appropriate end-of-life infrastructure. We educate stakeholders and advocate for programs and policies that will support the growth of the plant-based products industry, helping to harness its economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.pbpc.com.