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PBPC Newsletter July 10, 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 last issue? Read the June 16 newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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Senate Releases Farm Bill Discussion Draft

In June, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released his Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft. The sweeping legislative proposal includes many provisions of PBPC-endorsed legislation, including language from the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act.

This latest Senate action builds on biobased product and biomanufacturing investments made in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson’s version of the Farm Bill that passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote this spring.

PBPC Executive Director James Glueck issued a statement celebrating the release of the discussion draft:

“We appreciate Chairman Boozman for recognizing the importance of America’s agricultural bioeconomy in the Senate Farm Bill discussion draft,” said Glueck. “Strengthening USDA’s BioPreferred Program, improving existing loan programs, and other provisions will help expand markets for American-grown feedstocks, support rural manufacturing jobs, and bring more U.S.-made biobased products to consumers and federal purchasers. PBPC urges lawmakers to preserve these provisions and continue advancing policies that improve federal procurement, support consistent terminology, strengthen market data, and help scale domestic biobased manufacturing. This farm bill is a critical opportunity to invest in American innovation, resilient supply chains, and new economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.

“The growing American ag bioeconomy needs certainty to encourage continued investment and innovation. We look forward to a Senate Farm Bill process that advances bipartisan policies that support rural America and strengthen U.S. competitiveness and security.”

Get Involved: Tell Lawmakers to Pass the Farm Bill for a Stronger Bioeconomy

The Senate Agriculture Committee has discussed a potential markup of its Farm Bill 2.0 proposal this month, bringing this critical piece of legislation for the bioeconomy closer to passage.

Thanks to the advocacy of PBPC and our members, the Senate Farm Bill discussion draft includes several key priorities for the biobased products industry, including provisions to define biobased product terminology, strengthen USDA’s BioPreferred Program, and reauthorize a critical grant program that helps bring biorefinery and renewable chemical projects to commercial scale. As the Senate Agriculture Committee considers taking action during the weeks ahead, now is the time to ensure these provisions remain in the final legislation.

Tell your Senators to advance the Farm Bill through committee markup and protect the biobased priorities that strengthen American agriculture, manufacturing, and innovation.

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ICYMI: Speaker Series on Growing Ag Bioeconomy Through Legislation

Last month, PBPC hosted a Speaker Series conversation on the opportunity for tax incentives to help grow the American ag bioeconomy. The conversation touched on many ways to achieve that growth, including the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act, PBPC-endorsed bipartisan legislation designed to accelerate the commercialization of innovative biobased materials.

The Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act, introduced by Reps. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), would help bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and full-scale deployment of biobased manufacturing in the U.S. through investment incentives – a 10-cent-per-pound production tax credit for eligible renewable products or a 30% investment tax credit for building or retrofitting manufacturing facilities.

During the Speaker Series, panelists discussed how this legislation would help scale the U.S. bioeconomy, provide certainty for companies like PBPC Member Kemvera working to commercialize biobased technologies, and grow stable domestic markets for American farmers.

Missed the conversation? A recording of the discussion can be viewed on PBPC.com, or you can read our latest blog post for the highlights.

Apply for U.S. Plastics Pact Sustainable Packaging Innovation Awards

The U.S. Plastics Pact is now accepting applications for its annual Sustainable Packaging Innovation Awards, including a newly developed award category focused on responsibly sourced & circular materials. That category was developed to recognize packaging that incorporates renewable, biobased materials.

The award highlights organizations demonstrating how biobased content can reduce reliance on fossil resources while contributing to broader sustainability and circularity goals. It provides an opportunity for companies to showcase innovative solutions and gain recognition from leaders across the packaging and sustainability sectors.

Organizations with packaging featuring biobased content are encouraged to apply and share their work.

Learn more and apply through the U.S. Plastics Pact Awards Program.

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PBPC Membership Program

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

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 our 2025 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.

PBPC Plant-based Leaders Blog: Algae Advocates Demonstrate Diversity of Feedstocks Used in Plant-based Products

What role can algae play in building a stronger, more resilient ag bioeconomy? A new post on PBPC’s Plant-based Leaders Blog explores that question with the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the leading trade association representing the U.S. algae industry.

ABO outlines how algae’s versatility is creating opportunities across a wide range of markets, from food ingredients and animal feed to renewable materials, wastewater treatment, and advanced manufacturing. The organization emphasizes that a successful ag bioeconomy will require a diverse portfolio of feedstocks, with algae complementing other existing inputs.

The discussion also examines the industry’s progress toward commercialization, growing investment interest, and the policy priorities needed to support continued growth.

Read the full interview now on PBPC.com.

Plant-Based Leaders | Algae Biomass Organization

House Focuses on American Bioeconomy Competitiveness

On June 30, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a subcommittee hearing to examine U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, microchip manufacturing, and biomanufacturing.

Throughout the hearing, members of Congress from both parties identified biomanufacturing as a strategic priority for the U.S. and emphasized the need to counter advancements by adversarial nations like China. Lawmakers noted that China has made substantial investments in biotechnology over the past five years, warning that continued U.S. investment is essential to maintain leadership in global supply chains, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and protect America’s national security. The hearing reinforced growing bipartisan recognition that a strong domestic bioeconomy is critical not only for economic growth, but also for the nation’s long-term strategic competitiveness.

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 on the latest industry news.

GOVERNMENT UPDATES

As Congress and the Trump Administration look towards midterm elections later this 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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