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SPECIAL ISSUE

USDA Releases Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry

Continued growth in biobased product sector benefits every state and the environment. Report finds industry responsible for 4.6 million American jobs.

On the 10^th anniversary of USDA’s Certified Biobased Product Label, the USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson unveiled an Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry. The report demonstrates that the biobased industry is a substantial generator of economic activity and jobs, and that it has a significant positive impact on the environment. 

Established in the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized in 2018, USDA Rural Development’s BioPreferred Program is intended to spur economic development, create jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. 

“Biobased products are widely known for having a substantially lower impact on the environment compared to petroleum-based and other non-biobased products,” Maxson said. “Beyond being more responsible alternatives, these products are produced by an industry responsible for nearly 5 million jobs in the United States alone. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is playing a key role in labeling biobased products so that consumers can make educated decisions for themselves, their families and their places of work.”

As the USDA Certified Biobased
Product Label Turns 10. . .

The BioPreferred® Program reaches another huge milestone now with 5000 certified products listed in our Catalog.

Report Highlights!

Get the infographic

The biobased products industry impacts EVERY state in the nation, enables America’s many rural communities to thrive, and delivers a range of key environmental benefits.

Contributing to a thriving economy….

• Contributed $470 billion to the U.S. economy.
• Supported 1.79 jobs in other sectors of the economy for every biobased job.

A positive impact on the environment….

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 12.7 million metric tons of CO₂
• Saved up to 9.4 million barrels of oil due to biobased alternatives to petroleum-based products.

Top Economic Contributor

California earned the top spot as an economic contributor (dollars and jobs) to the biobased products industry—increasing its contributions by 17% from 2013 to 2017.

Other Fun State Facts

Check out our interactive state-by-state map.

Growing Innovation

In addition to approximately 2.1 million farms, a range of businesses drive a growing and innovative nationwide bioeconomy. Here are just a few examples (with more included in the report.)

• In Georgia, Okabashi Brands incorporates both recycled and biobased materials into their sustainable and stylish footwear products. Plus, customers return old sandals, which are ground up and recycled to create new products.
• In Pennsylvania, Braskem’s biobased polyethylene (PE) material made from sugarcane, is used in multiple applications, including detergent bottles, synthetic cork, plastic bags, hard hats and tubes for personal care items.
• In Kansas, as both a formulator and compounder, Green Dot Bioplastics is helping to reduce the impact of plastics and add value through its own biodegradable polymers, which can be found in biodegradable plant pots, paddleboards, composite fencing, and toys.

See more case study highlights. Get the Infographic.

Biggest Buyer of Biobased Products?

According to the report, the U.S. Government committed to purchasing more than $453M in biobased products in fiscal year 2017. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is conducting outreach and training to further encourage Federal Contracting Officers and other Acquisition Professionals to buy biobased.

Before This Fiscal Year Ends!

If you are an Acquisition Professional with resources remaining in your FY21 budget, now’s the ideal time to expand the number and types of biobased products you purchase on the government’s behalf. When you do, you’ll better the workplace and the environment, plus boost your ability to meet federal mandatory purchasing requirements

Learn more here.