12/17
PBPC Welcomes NDAA Language Supporting Ag Bioeconomy
Dec. 17, 2025
Washington, D.C. — The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), the leading voice for stakeholders and companies advocating for the future of the American ag bioeconomy, is pleased to see provisions that will promote U.S. manufacturing and strong markets for farmers included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Upon Senate passage of the legislation to send the bill to President Donald Trump for his signature, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck released a statement.
“A thriving U.S. ag bioeconomy is an important aspect of a strong national defense, and we are grateful to Congress for supporting American innovation through the NDAA,” said Glueck. “The strategic importance of ag biomanufacturing requires critical investments that will support American farmers and entrepreneurs. The U.S. has been a leader in research and innovation, including new uses for American-grown crops as well as stronger, more resilient supply chains. The provisions in this legislation will promote the growth of U.S. ag biomanufacturing capacity, which is key to American national security and economic competitiveness.”
BACKGROUND
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 includes language that will bolster the American ag bioeconomy through:
- Department of War Leadership: The Department of War will develop a Biotechnology Management Office and a comprehensive strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies.
- Military readiness: Requirements will be updated to ensure biobased products are integrated, promoting further adoption of bioproducts throughout a diverse array of defense applications.
- Expanded production: The bill codifies programs to increase the DoW’s biomanufacturing capacity, supporting innovation throughout the military’s services.
The language builds on strong support for expanded investment in the future of the American ag bioeconomy in recommendations authored by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology in April. That report called for coordinated policy action throughout the federal government as well as catalyzing private sector investment through regulatory relief and protecting supply chain vulnerabilities.
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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.