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PBPC Newsletter March 13, 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 February 12th newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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House Farm Bill Includes Important Ag Bioeconomy Provisions

The House Agriculture Committee has advanced a Farm Bill that includes critical language to help grow American ag bioeconomy infrastructure and modernize the sector’s government programs.

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act features provisions from the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act, two bipartisan, bicameral bills endorsed by PBPC. The legislation would strengthen USDA’s BioPreferred Program, promote nationally uniform terminology, and streamline USDA’s lending authorities to support the ag bioeconomy.

PBPC Executive Director James Glueck released a statement celebrating the bill clearing the committee with a 34-17 vote and urging House and Senate leaders to send a bipartisan Farm Bill to the president’s desk.

“The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 makes critical investments in U.S. biomanufacturing competitiveness, supporting stable markets for American farmers while bolstering our national security,” said Glueck. “The Committee’s action to advance a bipartisan Farm Bill marks meaningful progress in growing a stronger U.S. bioeconomy. By supporting domestic biomanufacturing, expanding markets for biobased products, and reinforcing key USDA programs, this bill will drive innovation, create new jobs, provide additional income streams for American farmers, and strengthen American leadership in this emerging sector.”

Tell Congress to pass a Farm Bill that supports the ag bioeconomy.

Senate Hearing Focuses on Domestic Demand

A recent gathering of the Senate Agriculture Committee offered PBPC allies a critical opportunity to speak about the promise of the American ag bioeconomy to drive demand for U.S. producers.

The hearing focused on domestic demand opportunities in agriculture, and hearing witnesses offered several supportive comments about the potential of bioproducts to generate new revenue channels.

National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower noted in his written testimony that “investing in the ag bioeconomy advances U.S. national security by reducing reliance on foreign inputs and equipping American companies with the tools necessary to compete in global biobased markets. Currently, the biobased products industry only scratches the surface of what it could mean to the American economy.”

American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger also hailed the possibilities of bioproducts, urging lawmakers to codify policy changes that will promote American innovation.

“Identifying policies that cut through the red tape for federal approvals and supporting a reauthorization of the BioPreferred Program are just two ways to support the bioeconomy fueled by U.S. agriculture,” he said.

The full hearing can be viewed here.

Biobased Products Day Celebrates Industry’s Importance

PBPC and its members were active in celebrating National Biobased Products Day, held March 8.

The event seeks to raise awareness about biobased products and their benefits, offering the industry’s supporters an opportunity to jointly celebrate the promise of the ag bioeconomy.

PBPC was active on social media noting the occasion, and many of its members joined the celebration as well.

Primient noted the promise of two of its plant-based products with industrial and consumer benefits. Eco-Products highlighted the growing consumer demand for plant-based products. Kemvera posted about its role in producing 100% renewable chemicals. Sustainea celebrated the BioPreferred certification of its Bio-MEG and Bio-MPG products. And Iowa Corn noted the role of corn in more than 4,000 everyday products.

Thanks to all who helped make this year’s National Biobased Products Day a success!

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 fiscal year 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.

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.

Register today for Washington’s premier event to advocate for the future of the ag bioeconomy!

PBPC is excited to welcome J.R. Claeys, Administrator of USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service as the event’s keynote speaker! Claeys is one of several presenters on the packed lineup; see the latest speaker list and learn more about registration, lodging, and more on PBPC.com.

The Summit will feature programming limited to PBPC members as well as sessions open to all supporters of the ag bioeconomy. Interested in experiencing the full agenda and the other benefits of PBPC membership? Check out the Member Benefits page.  

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

PBPC Membership Program

PBPC member

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 in its second 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 few 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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