Plant Based Products Council applauds House Agriculture Committee passage of Farm Bill and provisions to strengthen the U.S. Bioeconomy

Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck released the following statement after the bipartisan vote (March 4, 2026) to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 through the House Agriculture Committee. The bill, which passed on a 34-17 vote, includes important provisions from the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act.

“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.

“We urge House leadership and the Senate to build on this momentum and move swiftly to pass these priorities into law to secure America’s leadership in the growing bioeconomy.”

BACKGROUND 

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes important 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 Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act includes vital changes to strengthen USDA’s BioPreferred Program, improve understanding and industry data across government, and establish uniform terminology for biobased product labeling to support the future growth of the plant-based products industry. The bill is supported by Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) and Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), and Mike Flood (R-NE).

The Ag BIO Act makes critical investments in the future of bioeconomy infrastructure and development and streamlines existing lending authorities at USDA. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) support the legislation.

About the Plant Based Products Council 

The Plant Based Products Council 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 and advocate for programs and policies that will support the growth of the plant-based products industry, helping to harness its economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.pbpc.com.