The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated the regulations for the Biopreferred Program, which aims to stimulate the development and use of biobased products, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and bioproducts. The updated regulations enhance the program’s effectiveness by increasing the minimum biobased content requirement for procurement contracts from 51% to 99%. Additionally, the regulations now define biobased products and bioproducts to include a broader range of products, such as animal feed, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The changes also clarify the program’s application process, including new procedures for submitting bioproducts for certification. Furthermore, the regulations simplify the process for government agencies to purchase biobased products, making it more efficient and cost-effective for agencies to meet their green procurement goals.
The USDA Biopreferred Program is a voluntary labeling initiative that helps consumers identify products made from renewable biomass feedstocks, such as crops, agricultural waste, or forestry residues. The updated regulations aim to promote the growth of the biobased industry, reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign oil, and support American farmers and manufacturers. The program has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth in the biobased economy, and the updated regulations are expected to further boost the industry’s development and competitiveness.