USDA restarts BioPreferred Bioproduct Certification and Labeling program

In Washington, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has reopened the BioPreferred Bioproduct Certification and Labeling program and resuming the processing of applications. The Biobased Markets Program has improved consumer education and choice by labeling 900 biobased products from February 2011 until January 2013. Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, commented, “The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is a potent symbol for U.S. consumers that identifies products manufactured from renewable resources for a cleaner, healthier environment. Biobased products decrease our reliance on imported oil and save energy in manufacturing. The BioPreferred program is an effective federal policy that encourages companies to make investments, bring innovative technology to market and create new employment and economic opportunities here in the United States. We thank Secretary Vilsack for reopening this program and encourage Congress and the administration to prioritize robust funding for the future to ensure its success.”