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PBPC Newsletter January 9, 2026

Welcome to the Plant Based Products Council Newsletter!

In this edition, explore the latest 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 Dec. 12, 2025, newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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Get Involved: Protect USDA’s BioPreferred Program

USDA’s BioPreferred Program is a voluntary certification program that promotes federal procurement of biobased products and sends strong market signals to grow America’s bioeconomy. The program offers essential resources to businesses with biobased products to promote the development of innovative products made from the hard work of farmers, creating market opportunities for growers, driving new income in rural communities, and offering transparency to consumers.

USDA recently announced funding to maintain operations of the BioPreferred Program through FY 2026, and PBPC appreciates the hard work of many people who helped make that happen. But long-term certainty is needed. Without dedicated funding, the BioPreferred Program is at risk, shutting the door on innovation and hitting pause on the growth of this sector at a time when our global competitors are ramping up investments in ag biomanufacturing.

Tell Congress to support consistent, long-term funding so this vital work can continue. A thriving bioeconomy depends on certainty and reliable commitments from policymakers.

The USDA BioPreferred Program lacks federal support—putting U.S. biobased innovation and jobs at risk.

ICYMI: Americans Show Strong, Growing Support for Plant-Based Products in PBPC’s Consumer Trends Research

PBPC’s 2025 Consumer Trends Research shows plant-based products are far from niche options at the fringe of consumer preferences; they are firmly entrenched in mainstream shopping decisions. Americans overwhelmingly view these products favorably, use them regularly, and believe they create new economic opportunities for farmers and manufacturers alike.

According to PBPC’s latest research:

  • 71% of consumers are familiar with plant-based products;
  • 85% of consumers view plant-based products favorably;
  • 68% of consumers say they use plant-based products at least monthly;
  • 63% of consumers say they purchase plant-based products at least monthly;
  • 86% of consumers say they are likely to purchase or use plant-based products in the next three months;
  • Nearly three in four consumers support policy incentives and government investment in the American ag bioeconomy.

You can learn more about the findings on PBPC.com.

Consumers are embracing plant-based products as a mainstream expectation, not a niche trend.
Consumers are embracing plant-based products as a mainstream expectation, not a niche trend.

USDA’s R&D Priorities Highlight Biobased Products

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins rolled out a Directive on USDA’s Research and Development Priorities, and the document includes a focus on biobased products. The priorities include expansion of markets and new uses for agricultural feedstocks to increase demand that supports American farmers and consumers and enhances national security. You can learn more about USDA’s new R&D priorities here. 

USDA Moves to Implement the Farm Security Action Plan

On Dec. 30, a number of actions were taken to implement USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan to emphasize American agricultural research and innovation. Changes to USDA’s BioPreferred Program are designed to ensure federal programs and purchasing preferences prioritize American producers and manufacturers and remove entities from foreign adversary countries, defined in alignment with the February 2025 America First Investment Policy memo.

Save the Date for PBPC’s 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit

Mark your calendars! PBPC’s 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit will take place May 12–13 in Washington, D.C. Join PBPC members and other stakeholders to hear from Ag Bioeconomy champions in the federal government, from Capitol Hill, and throughout the industry. 

We are also excited to announce our first-ever Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Award, which will recognize outstanding legislative leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the plant-based products industry and the broader ag bioeconomy. This award will be presented during the PBPC Capitol Hill reception on Tuesday, May 12.  This reception is open to all registered attendees. 

Registration is now available! To register, please use this LINK. 

Interested in learning more about the event? Check out our latest agenda, which includes events limited to PBPC members and open to other supporters of the ag bioeconomy.  

Interested in experiencing the full agenda and the other benefits of PBPC membership? Check out the Member Benefits page at pbpc.com.  

Interested in being a sponsor?  Please reach out to keniece@pbpc.com.

PBPC Membership Program

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Not a PBPC member yet, but want to learn more?

All PBPC members receive a variety of benefits that provide their organization with 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 2024 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 products 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 into the latest industry news.

Government Updates

With the 119th Congress nearly halfway done and the Trump 2.0 Administration closing out its first year, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve. Read more about the latest developments.

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.

If you support our mission to promote sustainable, circular solutions through plant-based products, sign up for our newsletter! We’ll keep you updated on our latest initiatives and opportunities for you to get involved.

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