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 April 10 newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
PBPC Convenes 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit
This week, PBPC convened the 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together thought leaders representing the full agricultural bioeconomy value chain to advocate for the advancement of domestic biomanufacturing and American leadership in plant-based products innovation.
Over the course of the summit, PBPC members and partners held more than 20 meetings with key federal policymakers to discuss the urgent need for continued federal investment in the nation’s growing bioeconomy.
The summit also featured industry discussions on the future of biobased products and briefings from leading policymakers at the intersection of the bioeconomy, American competitiveness, and national security, including remarks from Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and USDA Rural Development Chief of Staff Joe Gilson.
Learn more about what we achieved at our annual summit on PBPC.com.
PBPC Issues Inaugural Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Awards
During the Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit, PBPC recognized four of its strongest supporters in Congress for their hard work on behalf of the plant-based products industry with its first-ever Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Awards.
The awards were given to Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Mark Messmer (R-IN). All four have been strong champions for the ag bioeconomy during their time on Capitol Hill, including by leading legislation endorsed by PBPC.
In presenting the awards to the congressional leaders, PBPC also recognized their support for policies that expand markets for renewable, plant-based products and create new economic opportunities for rural communities, farmers, and American manufacturers.
All four lawmakers were presented with an American-made trophy 3D-printed with a plant-based filament produced from U.S. corn.
Learn more about the awards on PBPC.com.
Farm Bill Passes House with Support for Ag Bioeconomy
On April 30, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, advancing a five-year Farm Bill that includes critical language to grow the American agricultural bioeconomy, following a grassroots campaign from PBPC advocates. The Farm Bill 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 on the bipartisan House passage of the Farm Bill:
“We appreciate the hard work of Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson and other members of the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure continued momentum for this strong, bipartisan bill,” said Glueck. “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes critical support for the future of U.S. biomanufacturing, ensuring American farmers and rural communities can benefit from the innovation that is turning homegrown agriculture commodities into a broad range of high-demand biobased products. We are encouraged by today’s bipartisan vote and urge the Senate to continue a process that sends a bill to President Trump’s desk.”
The bill was also amended on the floor by a voice vote to increase the loan guarantee cap of the USDA Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance program from $250 million to $400 million, signaling widespread bipartisan support for investments in strengthening U.S. biobased product supply chains and bolstering American biomanufacturing capacity. These provisions were endorsed by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s report on the future of biotechnology; if you missed our Speaker Series last year on this report and its implications for the plant-based products industry, you can watch it here.
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.
Through dedicated advocacy from PBPC, our members, and grassroots support, we secured language in the House agriculture funding bill for fiscal year 2027 that emphasizes the importance of this vital program and directs USDA to prioritize available resources for the program. However, the bill still lacks dedicated funding for the program next fiscal year, threatening its long-term certainty. 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.
PBPC MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Interested in joining us for next year’s summit? 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 the 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.
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.
- World Bio Market: Researchers Turn Forest Debris Into High Performance Bioplastics
- Business Plus: Irish company to pilot innovative EU seaweed farming project
- Manufacturing Today: Explore how Celtic Renewables is turning waste and by-products into high-value bio-based chemicals
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS & TRENDS
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.
- BioCycle: Compost Offers American Farmers a Path Out of the Global Fertilizer Crisis
- FoodNavigator-USA: Hershey’s new sustainability strategy offers blueprint for balancing business & ESG needs
- Farm Progress: From fields to factories: How biomanufacturing is unlocking corn markets
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
As Congress and the Trump Administration look toward the midterm elections later this year, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve. Read more about the latest developments.
- Ethanol Producer Magazine: Fischbach, Budzinski Introduce Bill Creating Tax Incentives For Biobased Chemicals, Materials
- Successful Farming: House Advances 5-Year Farm Bill as Ag Groups Weigh In
- Plant Based News: New Bipartisan Legislation Could Help Expand Plant-Based Manufacturing In The US
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.
- Packaging Strategies: Eco-Products Named Official Zero Waste Partner of the San Diego Padres
- Grain Journal: NCGA Launches 2026 Contest with New Short-Season Corn Pilot Class
- Food & Beverage Outlook: ADM Partners with American Farmland Trust to Strengthen U.S. Farm Resilience
- Farm Foundation: From Cornfields to Consumer Products: How Biotechnology Could Create New Opportunities for Farmers
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.
The post PBPC Newsletter May 15, 2026 appeared first on Plant Based Products Council.
