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.
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House Advances Appropriations Bill That Supports Ag Bioeconomy
The House of Representatives recently passed a $26 billion bill to fund the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration, and the legislation includes several provisions important to the ag bioeconomy.
The bill, which passed 213-210, would provide funding through the 2027 Fiscal Year, which begins in October. Amendments included directing an additional $2 million to the USDA Rural Development program, and the bill’s report language acknowledges the resource constraints faced by the BioPreferred Program and directs USDA to prioritize available resources to ensure successful management of the program. Action on a Senate Ag Appropriations bill is pending. PBPC will actively monitor the situation for further developments and fiercely advocate for strong funding for programs critical to the plant-based products industry.
USDA Reaffirms Importance of BioPreferred
USDA recently announced a plan to bolster the American cotton industry and used the announcement to highlight the importance of the BioPreferred Program.
The “Great American Cotton Plan” includes action across four pillars, including work to build domestic cotton consumption. In a release, USDA noted the Department is ensuring BioPreferred remains funded so that qualifying biobased products, including cotton-based products, can continue to be certified to use the BioPreferred label.
PBPC has long advocated for maintaining and strengthening the BioPreferred Program. The inclusion of BioPreferred as part of the Great American Cotton Plan reinforces the program’s role in building demand for biobased products and supporting U.S. agriculture and reflects the success of PBPC’s ongoing efforts to keep the program a priority for USDA policymakers.
Get Involved: Protect USDA’s BioPreferred Program
Without dedicated funding from Congress, the BioPreferred Program is at risk.
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.
Tell Congress to support consistent, long-term funding for BioPreferred to protect and strengthen this vital program that encourages innovation and growth in the biobased product sector. A thriving bioeconomy depends on certainty and reliable commitments from policymakers.
Congress Makes Progress on Annual Defense Authorizations Bill, Including Bioeconomy Provisions
The House Armed Services Committee successfully passed the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on June 4. The bipartisan bill includes many provisions championed by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, including support for research, development, and commercialization of biotechnology capabilities, a pilot for forward deployable biomanufacturing, recognition of biomanufacturing as part of the defense industrial base, and support for workforce development in the industry. The House will likely consider the bill prior to the July 4th recess.
The Senate Armed Services Committee marked up and passed its FY27 NDAA on June 11 with bipartisan support. The Senate bill also includes bioeconomy provisions that build upon progress in recent annual NDAAs.
Upcoming Showcase Offers Opportunity for Congressional Ag Bioeconomy Advocacy
Two groups are organizing a gathering of companies utilizing the BioPreferred Program to demonstrate how their innovation is benefiting the American economy.
The Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition and the Engineering Biology Research Consortium are hosting a Congressional Bioeconomy Showcase in July. The event will offer the chance for BioPreferred Program participants to showcase products to members of Congress and congressional staff, elevating the importance of the program and illustrating the real-world impact of biobased innovation.
Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to inquire about the limited space available for the event. Inquiries can be directed to Rina Singh.
SAVE THE DATE: PBPC Speaker Series on the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act
PBPC recently endorsed the bipartisan Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act, legislation designed to help scale the U.S. bioeconomy by encouraging investment in domestic biobased manufacturing and accelerating the commercialization of innovative biobased materials. Through targeted tax incentives for production and facility development, the bill would help strengthen domestic supply chains, create new markets for agricultural feedstocks, and improve the competitiveness of U.S. biobased manufacturers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
To continue the conversation, PBPC will host a virtual Speaker Series event on June 25 exploring the policy’s potential impact on the biobased products industry, agriculture, and rural economic development. The program will feature perspectives from industry leaders, agricultural stakeholders, and PBPC Executive Director James Glueck on how the legislation could help move biobased innovations from pilot projects to commercial scale and the implications of biomanufacturing investment incentives on U.S. national security and the sector’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. Additional details on speakers and RSVP information are forthcoming.
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.
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.
- WWD: Sugarcane to Spandex: Hyosung TNC’s Bio-based Fiber Enters Scaled Production
- Lab News: UK Biotech Secures £3.4M to Develop Dandelion-Derived Natural Rubber
- Packaging World: Hawaiian Water Brand Debuts Algae-Based Ink for Labels
- Sustainable Packaging News: Parkside freshens up Lilot Fruits’ produce packaging with bio-based home compostable lidding film
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.
- Recycling Today: APR, ANIPAC Partner to Advance Mexico Plastics Circular Economy
- Packaging World: Flexible Film Recycling Demands a Systemwide Fix
- Food & Beverage Outlook: Glebe Farm Foods Expands Sustainable Packaging Strategy with New Paper Packaging Investment
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.
- RFD-TV: Champions of Rural America: Rep. Mark Messmer of Indiana Highlights Farm Bill Priorities for Rural America
- AgroLatam: Senate Showdown Threatens Ethanol Boom and Billions for U.S. Farmers
- High Plains Journal: USDA launches Great American Cotton Plan to support growers, textile industry
- USDA: USDA Announces Loan Modernization Effort
- Senate Agriculture Committee: Ag Committee Advances Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Nominee
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: CJ Biomaterials Launches Compostable Extrusion Coating Resin for Foodservice Packaging
- Resource Recycling: BASF, Encina expand circular feedstock partnership
- Plastics News: How bio-based feedstocks are reshaping plastic supply-chain reliability
- Agri-Pulse: Open Mic: Dr. Paul Bloom – CEO – Gevo Inc.
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 June 16, 2026 appeared first on Plant Based Products Council.
