CRA Welcomes Bipartisan Farm Bill Language That Supports Ag Bioeconomy

Feb. 13, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and its efforts to support the American ag bioeconomy by including CRA's bipartisan priorities.

"The outstanding productivity of the American farmer means producers need markets, and the ag bioeconomy is poised to be a massive growth opportunity for U.S. agriculture," said Bode. "By including bipartisan language to build a robust U.S. ag bioeconomy, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 lays the groundwork for a strong future for American farmers, processors, and rural economies."

BACKGROUND
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 released by House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) includes important provisions from the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act, two bipartisan bills endorsed by CRA.

The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act includes vital changes to strengthen USDA's BioPreferred program, improve understanding and industry data across government, and establish uniform terminology for biobased product labeling to support the future growth of the plant-based products industry. The bill is supported by Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) and Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), and Mike Flood (R-NE).

The Ag BIO Act makes critical investments in the future of bioeconomy infrastructure and development and streamlines existing lending authorities at USDA. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) support the legislation.

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) 
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.