NEW TECH FOODS

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) has endorsed the bipartisan reintroduction of the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act in the US Senate, legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s bioeconomy and expanding rural job opportunities.

Introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jerry Moran, the bill proposes updates to the USDA’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. It seeks to broaden the program’s scope, streamline eligibility and support a wider range of biobased products, with a focus on advancing US competitiveness in biomanufacturing.

John Bode, president and CEO of CRA, said: “This legislation represents a strategic investment in the future of rural America and the farmers, workers, and innovators who fuel our economy. By backing next-generation biomanufacturing, the Ag BIO Act will help cement US leadership in sustainable innovation while delivering economic opportunity where it’s needed most.”

The proposed legislation outlines measures to promote new uses for agricultural feedstocks such as corn, with the goal of supporting a shift from traditional manufacturing to more sustainable, domestically sourced alternatives.

A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May by Reps. Zach Nunn and Nikki Budzinski. The CRA has identified the legislation as a key priority in its Farm Bill agenda.