The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) thanks members of the
Senate Agriculture Committee, in particular Chairwoman Sen. Debbie
Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kans.), Sen.
Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) and Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), for reauthorizing
farm programs that are valuable to the biotechnology industry and
ensuring they have the funding to work.
BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood said, “The important energy title
programs authorized and funded in this bill are just beginning to have a
positive impact in revitalizing rural America, fueling economic growth
and creating well-paying opportunities where we need it most – in
manufacturing, energy, agriculture and forestry. These programs can also
help meet our responsibilities to revitalize rural areas, reduce
dependence on foreign oil, and renew economic growth. The Farm Bill’s
energy title and proposals to support biomanufacturing will help the
United States maintain its competitive leadership in biotechnology,
manufacturing and agriculture – ensuring that what we grow here in the
United States can be used to make new products here and create jobs here.
“These programs would provide the highest return on taxpayer dollars and
ensure the future of emerging energy and renewable chemical markets, if
the bill is passed by the full Congress. These programs already have
helped renewable energy companies unlock private capital for
construction of advanced biorefineries, something that has been
extraordinarily difficult during the recent economic downturn. They also
have helped farmers in over 150 counties across 10 states begin to put
more than 150,000 acres of underutilized farmland into production of
next generation energy crops. The programs have further ignited an
explosion of innovation and early commercialization of renewable
chemicals here in the United States. Overall, the programs have
demonstrated a high rate of success. “The biotechnology industry also
thanks the Senate Agriculture Committee for making important investments
in agricultural research and trade. The government’s commitment to
research on plants, animals, and minor use crops will allow scientists
to improve technologies and invigorate know-how so that food can be
produced on a limited land base using safe, efficient, and sustainable
methods.”
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
World
Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
April
29 - May 2, 2012
Orlando, FL
2012
BioEquity Europe
May 15 - 16, 2012
Frankfurt, Germany
2012
BIO International Convention
June 18 - 21, 2012
Boston, MA
BIO
Business Forum
June 18 - 21, 2012
Boston, MA
BIO
India International Conference
September 12 - 13, 2012
Mumbai,
India
Livestock
Biotech Summit
September 19 - 21, 2012
Kansas City, MO
BIO
Investor Forum
October 9 - 10, 2012
San Francisco, CA
The
BIO Convention in China
October 24 - 25, 2012
Shanghai,
China
