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BIO Applauds Strengthening of the USDA BioPreferred ProgramWASHINGTON --(Business Wire)-- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today applauded President Obama's directive to expand and strengthen the USDA BioPreferred program. BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood said, "The USDA's BioPreferred program provides important federal leadership that can expand consumer demand for renewable products made from biomass, such as agricultural residues and energy crops. Biobased products meet consumer demand for items that are affordable and healthier for the environment. The United States is well positioned to use its leadership in biotechnology, agricultural productivity and manufacturing innovation to build a biobased economy." Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO's Industrial & Environmental Section, added, "Expanding biobased production can also reduce our reliance on foreign oil and generate new jobs in manufacturing, agricultural production and forestry. The biobased product industry already employs more than 50,000 people in the United States and can generate tens of thousands more in the next five years. Policies that provide technology neutral suppor to biobased products and renewable chemicals, such as the BioPreferred program, can help the industry continue its progress." About BIO BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling "innovations transforming our world." Subscribe to BIOtech NOW. Upcoming BIO Events
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Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
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