Source: Corn Refiners Association news release
WASHINGTON - Following the landmark report from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) and ahead of a day-long event in Washington marking the report's release, champions of agricultural innovation released statements hailing the report's recommendations and pledging partnership to pursue the Commission's goals.
The report -
Charting the Future of Biotechnology: An Action Plan for American Security and Prosperity - underscores the need for urgent action to prevent the American biotechnology sector from lagging behind foreign competitors, including China. NSCEB lays out six pillars for action and 49 recommendations to help achieve that goal, including making biotechnology a national priority and mobilizing private sector investment.
The recommendations were welcomed by the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), and the Ag Bioeconomy Coalition (ABC). All three organizations advocate for developing bioproduct infrastructure in the U.S. as a national security and economic imperative.
"This report makes clear that America must be the leader in all aspects of the ag bioeconomy, including innovation in bioproducts. Standing by as other countries make strategic investments threatening that American leadership is not an option," said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. "Bioindustrials represent a significant growth opportunity for the corn refining industry, and building an advanced biotechnology industry in the United States offers benefits far beyond an economic boost. This sector will be critical in creating a safe, secure, and prosperous American economy, but urgent action is needed to prevent the U.S. from falling behind our foreign competitors."
"PBPC is thrilled to see the release of this report, which lays the groundwork for thoughtful policy action to support American innovation and biomanufacturing. The NSCEB's work affirms what ag bioeconomy leaders have long believed - biotechnology and bioproducts are vital to building a more secure, innovative, and resilient America," said James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. "Strengthening the government's focus and attracting private sector investment in the future of the ag bioeconomy will be critical to ensure the benefits of U.S. innovation and success of American farmers are not exported to foreign competitors."
"We are eager to partner with the NSCEB and its bipartisan, bicameral congressional leaders to advance these critical recommendations. Advancing policies that help the U.S. scale up and de-risk biomanufacturing and commercialize more American innovation will enable rural communities to tap into the full benefits of bioproduct development and generate greater demand for American agricultural commodities," said Ag Bioeconomy Coalition spokesperson Robin Bowen. "The innovation and national security imperatives of strong biotechnology policy offer tremendous incentive for congressional action, and we stand ready to ensure American leadership in this important sector."
BACKGROUND
The NSCEB report offers a comprehensive assessment of the dangers posed from a lack of American investment and leadership in the global biotechnology space, including the potential for Chinese leadership in the sector.
Among its recommendations, the report calls for coordinated policy action throughout the government, including congressional action to establish a National Biotechnology Coordination Office in the White House as well as appointing senior officials at relevant agencies to lead biotechnology policy. The report also suggests catalyzing private sector investment through regulatory relief and protecting supply chain vulnerabilities. Additional considerations include prioritizing research at Departments of Defense and Energy as well as modernizing USDA's BioPreferred Program.
The report calls for expanded efforts to maximize the national security benefits of biotechnology, action to promote U.S. innovation and workforce development. Among the recommendations to promote innovation are calls for Congress to focus resources to help scale up biomanufacturing to ensure predictability and cost competitiveness, principles echoed in
Farm Bill priorities championed by CRA, PBPC, and ABC.
About The Corn Refiners Association (CRA): The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber. Visit us on the web at corn.org.
About The Plant-Based Products Council (PBPC): PBPC represents businesses large and small that are working to guide the global economy toward more sustainable and responsible consumer products and packaging through greater use of plant-based materials. We also support and advocate for programs that support the circular bioeconomy.
About The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition (ABC): The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition promotes all elements of the U.S. industry, including renewable chemicals, biobased fuels and biobased materials and consumer goods. The ABC supports federal programs and policies that can expand market opportunities for agriculture communities, fill critical infrastructure gaps and unleash the potential of ag bioeconomy innovation. ABC's 14 members include (listed alphabetically): American Farm Bureau Federation; American Soybean Association; Biotechnology Innovation Organization; Clean Fuels Alliance America; Corn Refiners Association; Growth Energy; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; National Corn Growers Association; National Farmers Union; National Industrial Hemp Council of America; National Oilseed Processors Association; Plant Based Products Council; Renewable Fuels Association.