Jun 29, 2022

USDA to Start Pilot Program for Bioproducts

The USDA is accepting applications for a new pilot program supporting the development of biobased products, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Tuesday.

Under this program, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) can award up to $10 million divided among the highest rated applications that include eligible universities and private-sector partners, according to a release from Vilsack’s office.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided funds for sustainable bioproduct manufacturing for construction and consumer products, according to the news release. The statute directs USDA to partner with “not less than one institution” to study the benefits of using materials derived from a very broad definition of “covered agricultural commodities.”

Complete information on this funding opportunity can be found on the NIFA website. An informational webinar for those interested in applying will be held on July 14 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time. To register, please visit the Bioproduct Pilot Program Informational Webinar page.

This project will be implemented by a team of USDA experts from NIFA’s Institute of Bioenergy, Climate and Environment, USDA Rural Development’s BioPreferred Program and the U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovations Team and Forest Products Lab.