Following the landmark report from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology 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 Plant Based Products Council, Corn Refiners Association, and the Ag Bioeconomy Coalition. All three organizations advocate for developing bioproduct infrastructure in the U.S. as a national security and economic imperative.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Plant Based Products Council news release
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