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PBPC Newsletter January 10, 2025

Welcome to the Plant Based Products Council Newsletter!

In this edition, explore the latest in PBPC news, activities, and groundbreaking innovations in the sustainability and bioeconomy sectors. Stay informed on current trends, updates, and exciting developments shaping our future.

Missed our latest issue? Read the December 6th newsletter here.

Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO CONGRESSIONAL AGRICULTURAL LEADERS

Congratulations to the 119th Congress Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership:

  • Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
  • Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
  • Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Chair of the House Agriculture Committee
  • Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee

This leadership has already demonstrated support for the American agriculture bioeconomy, and PBPC is excited to partner with them to promote innovation, rural economic development, and producer market diversification across the country.

CELEBRATING MEMBERS’ SUCCESS – AG INDUSTRY AWARDS

Awards celebrating innovation and accomplishments in the agricultural industry are one way our member companies can receive recognition and critical funding for their work.

2025 presents numerous opportunities for agriculture and sustainability leaders to be awarded for their successes. Check out the PBPC blog to learn more about member’s wins and upcoming opportunities.

GLUECK IN INDIA FOR NASDA-LED EFFORT

PBPC Executive Director James Glueck joined the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) on a tour of India this month to promote the prospect of American innovation to address global biobased products usage.

The tour included visits with food suppliers, retailers, and government officials, providing critical insights into the ever-evolving global agriculture industry.

Recently, India’s Minister of Science and Technology highlighted that the nation’s bioeconomy is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. This target is bolstered by the country’s BioE3 initiative to focus on high-performance, regenerative biomanufacturing, marking a significant step toward a cleaner, greener and more prosperous India. PBPC is excited to learn from the visit to this emerging bioeconomy hub.

FFAR TO HOST WEBINAR ON SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING EFFORT

An upcoming event will offer additional information on a program to offer innovative solutions for fruit and vegetable packaging.

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research is hosting the webinar, which will share information on the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab to Assist Specialty Crop Exports Program offered by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. That program aims to develop packaging and packaging alternatives for specialty crops that are compliant with emerging overseas regulations in key markets like the EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and elsewhere. 

The webinar, scheduled from 1-2:30 p.m. EST on Jan. 13, will discuss the research criteria and application requirements for the program.

Applications for the program are due Feb. 12.  

DOE FUNDING AVAILABILITY CLOSES SOON

The Department of Energy is offering $250,000 research and development grants for small businesses to explore a wide range of issues, including plastics circularity.

The grants are offered through the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) and the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). All told, six topic areas are emphasized in the funding availability, including efforts to “accelerate innovations that will position the U.S. as a global leader in plastics recycling technologies and the manufacturing of new plastics that are recyclable by design.”

The funding availability closes Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. EST. Learn more from the Department of Energy.  

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR 2027 NAICS UPDATE RECOMMENDATIONS

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), on behalf of the Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC), has initiated a review of the 2022 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for potential structure or content revisions to be made as part of a 2027 update. The deadline for public input, which can be submitted online, is Feb. 18.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: NATIONAL BIOPRODUCTS DAY: March 8th

National Biobased Products Day logo

Make plans now to highlight your company’s role in shaping the future of the ag bioeconomy on a day set aside to recognize the industry!

National Bioproducts Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th. Be sure to watch for more from PBPC about ways to join the celebration!

PBPC MEMBER MEETING: May 6-7

Make plans to join PBPC members and staff May 6-7 in Washington for our Annual Member Meeting!

The event will include opportunities to explore the latest on ag bioeconomy policy with PBPC staff, government officials, and other experts. We are excited for you to share your story with leaders on Capitol Hill and throughout the incoming Trump Administration and to interact with fellow supporters of the circular ag bioeconomy.

PBPC MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in becoming a PBPC member? All PBPC members receive a variety of benefits that provide their organization a voice in Washington while helping them stay up to date on the latest policy developments, communicate with their audiences, access valuable insights, and more. Read about PBPC’s impact on the industry in the 2023 Annual Report. Tiered membership levels are available to fit the needs of any member of the plant-based products supply chain. Visit our website or reach out to PBPC’s Keniece Barbee to learn more.

PLANT-BASED INNOVATIONS

Almost every day we see new developments in the plant-based product space. Learn more about what’s ahead for circular innovations.

As more consumers seek environmentally friendly products, brands are adapting to meet these demands by offering more sustainable solutions. Here are some of the top stories covering these trends and providing insights on the latest industry news.

GOVERNMENT UPDATES

As the 119th Congress begins and a new Administration takes office, the sustainability landscape and efforts will shift.

PBPC MEMBER NEWS

The dedicated work of our members toward a more sustainable future never ceases to amaze us. From setting sweeping environmental commitments to partnering with others to make sustainable solutions more accessible to launching new plant-based materials. Below, find some of the impressive work of our members over the last weeks.

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