BIO commends the leaders and members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on their persistence and dedication toward passing a new farm bill this year. The farm bill is vital policy that benefits all Americans, including nutrition programs, conservation incentives and support for agricultural production needed to ensure food security and renewable energy supply chains. The farm bill also includes important provisions to advance innovation and grow the nation’s bioeconomy. BIO-supported provisions to ensure the farm bill is innovation-centric include the following: Funding for the Biobased Markets Program, which directs federal agencies to increase purchases of biobased and renewable products. Updates to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to enable measurement and growth of biobased procurement. Biorefinery incentives to help build and retrofit facilities to produce the advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and other biobased products our economy needs. Support for biostimulants by including the Plant Biostimulant Act (H.R. 1472) to streamline regulation of these safe, biological substances to make plants more resilient and productive. Support for Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) with language directing the Environmental Protection Agency to reissue PIPs regulations and eliminate unnecessary and non-science-based barriers to bringing these innovations to market. Streamlined regulation of biotechnology, with a science-based process that allows for timely approvals of innovations in plant, animal and microbial biotech. Increased investment in agricultural research programs to fuel ongoing innovation in agriculture and environmental technology. The bioeconomy plows nearly a trillion dollars annually, and growing, into the U.S. economy, which benefits all Americans. “Congress has an unprecedented opportunity with this farm bill to enable continued biotech breakthroughs to ensure we can meet the world’s…

The following statement may be attributed to Beth Ellikidis, BIO's Vice President for Agriculture & Environment: “Today’s release of an updated methodology to qualify crop-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for federal tax credits is a positive step toward meeting the rapidly growing demand for SAF and leveraging agricultural innovation to make air transportation cleaner and greener. “Biotech innovation is a critical tool to help farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices to qualify their crops as tax credit-eligible SAF feedstocks, including no-till farming and microbial biofertilizers. BIO’s member companies stand ready to bring to market the innovations needed to reduce the carbon intensity of agriculture and crop-based fuels.”

Retired U.S. Navy (SEAL) Four-Star Admiral and the Former Chancellor of The University of Texas System, William McRaven, to Discuss Leadership, Global Events, and the National Security Importance of Biotechnology with BIO CEO, John CrowleyWASHINGTON - (April 30, 2024) – As recent global events have demonstrated, the world has become more challenging and American leadership is needed more at home and abroad than ever before, and that includes maintaining U.S. dominance in biotechnology innovation. Retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, Navy SEAL, University Chancellor, best-selling author and world-renowned authority of leadership, William McRaven, will keynote the 2024 BIO International Convention, Wednesday, June 5, in San Diego. Admiral McRaven will be interviewed by John Crowley, CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) about the challenge of global events today and the implications for biotechnology as a national security imperative. McRaven will also share his insights on essential elements of leadership in managing complex organizations. Over the course of his distinguished military career, McRaven gained first-hand insight into the numerous threats facing the United States. “For more than a century, the United States has been the medicine chest to the world, providing life-saving vaccines, antibiotics, and therapeutics, saving millions of lives. In the face of diverse global threats, maintaining a robust biotech industry is paramount for safeguarding both the nation and our allies,” said McRaven.“We are on the cusp of a golden age of biotechnology, and Admiral McRaven will highlight why it is a strategic imperative for the United States to bolster our biotechnology capabilities and foster innovation in order to safeguard our nation and global society,” said Crowley. “He brings unparalleled expertise and experience to the discussion on the intersection of biotechnology and national security.” Listed as one of the world’s greatest leaders…