McDonald Rivet Introduces Bill to Support Farmers and Create Manufacturing Jobs

WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) recently introduced the bipartisan Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act. This bill, supported by Republicans and Democrats, strengthens markets for American farmers to sell their goods, and solidifies the United States’ role as a global leader in biomanufacturing. 

“We need to find innovative ways to support growers and help our economy thrive. This bill will help strengthen markets for farmers, fortify American biomanufacturing jobs, and stand up to foreign competitors,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Our coalition of Democrats and Republicans is standing together to support Michigan’s hardworking farmers and ensure we continue producing here at home, not overseas.”

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Mark Alford (MO-04), Angie Craig (MN-02), and Mark Messmer (IN-08). Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  

The USDA BioPreferred Program aims to develop and expand markets for biobased products, which are objects significantly made up of biological materials. The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act would strengthen the BioPreferred Program by requiring federal agencies to utilize more biobased products, improving reporting of biobased products purchased through online federal systems, and enabling the Secretary of Agriculture to set price premiums. This will support American farmers and manufacturing jobs while increasing our use of renewable agricultural materials. 

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet is a member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, which has jurisdiction over agricultural policy nationwide and provides funding to support agricultural research and development.