WNEM: Bill introduced to expand market for farmers, use of renewable materials

MICHIGAN (WNEM) – New legislation aims to strengthen the markets for American farmers to sell their products and to solidify the United States’ strength in biomanufacturing.

Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet has introduced the bipartisan Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act.

“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 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.”

The USDA BioPreferred Program aims to develop markets for biobased products, objects that are mostly made of biological material. McDonald Rivet said the new legislation would aid the program by requiring federal agencies to use more biobased products, improving reporting of biobased products bought through online federal systems, and allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to set price premiums.

The program would also simultaneously support American farmers and manufacturing jobs while increasing the use of renewable agricultural materials.