4/11
PBPC Annual Conference Convenes Industry Leaders, Policymakers, Growers, And Executives to Address Bioeconomy Landscape and Policy Solutions
Plant Based Products Council Hosts Three-Day Conference in the Heart of America’s Bioeconomy, Welcoming Leaders from U.S. Department of Agriculture, State Departments of Agriculture, State and Local Officials, and Ag Industry
Washington, D.C. – The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) concluded its second annual conference, PBPC2024: Circular Solutions, in Omaha, Nebraska, where industry leaders explored the latest innovations, business models, and policies shaping the lifecycle of plant-based products and advancing a circular economy. From Monday, April 8, to Wednesday, April 10, attendees engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and experts through dynamic panels, inspiring keynotes, networking sessions, facility tours, and more.
Keynote speakers included Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Cooperative Service. Remarks were presented by Nebraska’s entire congressional delegation, including Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts and Reps. Adrian Smith, Don Bacon, and Mike Flood.
James Glueck, Executive Director of PBPC, says the discussion that took place at Circular Solutions will be critical to the future of the bioeconomy.
“PBPC’s second annual conference in Omaha was an incredible success thanks to our remarkable lineup of speakers and industry leaders who shared insights on rural development, compostables, the lifecycle of bioproducts, and the latest federal policies impacting the bioeconomy. We look forward to continuing the partnerships and conversations sparked in Omaha to promote sustainable, circular solutions through plant-based products.”
In her lunch keynote address, USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Betsy Dirksen Londrigan shared an update on the efforts of the federal government to improve the environment for plant-based products.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA offers programs designed to strengthen our economy and create new and better markets for American farmers and rural small business owners everywhere. The Department remains committed to supporting biobased products and providing affordable financing that benefits our environment and creates lasting economic opportunity for people across the nation. That’s why we are proud to work alongside partners like the Plant Based Products Council to create a more sustainable future for our country, and our planet.”
Governor Pillen returned to Circular Solutions this year after inviting the event to his home state during his remarks at the 2023 conference. He delivered the conference’s closing keynote, highlighting the impact of plant-based products on the economies of Nebraska and the country, catalyzing significant economic activity and growth.
“We’re on the cusp of tremendous growth in our nation’s bioeconomy, and Nebraska is perfectly positioned to lead the way,” said Governor Pillen. “Our state’s abundant natural resources, plentiful agricultural feedstocks, and ag tech expertise make us an ideal home for plant-based production. Thank you to the creators and innovators who are pioneering environmentally responsible production. It has been an honor to host you in Omaha for PBPC 2024.”
The conference was supported by sponsors including BioLogiQ, BioNebraska, BioPreferred, Corn Refiners Association, Eco Products, Green Plains, Iowa Corn, Nebraska Corn, Primient, Repurpose, as well as Cargill and NatureWorks, who hosted conference attendees at their Blair Bio-Refining Campus as part of the conference programming.
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About the Plant Based Products Council
PBPC 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, support growers, and champion programs and policies that will improve the value chain and support the growth of the plant-based products industry, helping to harness its economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future.