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PBPC: BioPreferred Support Reflects Promise of Ag Bioeconomy
Jan. 2, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Agriculture has announced funding to maintain operations of USDA’s BioPreferred Program, which certifies products as biobased under federal standards and facilitates purchasing requirements for government agencies and contractors, through FY 2026. Following that announcement, Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck released a statement.
“Operational support for the BioPreferred Program offers much-needed clarity for biomanufacturers — many of which operate in rural communities — and will ensure American farmers continue to have access to the growing market for biobased products,” said Glueck. “As the Trump Administration promotes American manufacturing and builds out the bioeconomy infrastructure necessary for national security, the BioPreferred Program is an essential connection of private sector innovation and public sector needs. We look forward to further conversations about providing long-term certainty to the American ag bioeconomy and the BioPreferred Program.”
BACKGROUND
Congress reauthorized the BioPreferred Program in the November 2025 legislation that ended the government shutdown, but did not provide funding for the program’s operations. USDA recently reallocated resources to ensure the BioPreferred Program can continue to serve American farmers and entrepreneurs for the remainder of the fiscal year. PBPC remains committed to modernizing and strengthening the BioPreferred Program through the Farm Bill and is a strong supporter of the bipartisan, bicameral Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, which contains critical improvements to the program.
As part of the implementation of the July 2025 National Farm Security Action Plan, USDA announced entities from foreign adversary countries will no longer be eligible for the BioPreferred Program or USDA guaranteed lending programs.
The federal government has recognized the need for American bioeconomy leadership in multiple ways. In April 2025, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology released a report calling for greater U.S. investment in the sector to strengthen American national security. The National Defense Authorization Act, passed in December 2025, also includes language to facilitate Department of War investments and U.S. manufacturing growth.
USDA also included biomanufacturing and securing new uses for American-grown commodities as one of its research and development priorities in 2026.
PBPC recently released research showing strong consumer support and utilization of plant-based products. According to a nationwide survey of 1,000 consumers, 68% of consumers use plant-based products at least monthly, and 86% of consumers say they are likely to purchase or use plant-based products in the next three months. Nearly three in four consumers also show strong support for U.S. government investment and incentives in the sector.
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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 environmental and economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.pbpc.com.