The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Biopreferred program promotes the purchase and use of biobased products, or those composed in whole or significant part of biological products, renewable agricultural materials or forestry materials. This reduces petroleum consumption, increases the use of renewable resources and contributes to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. It also promotes economic development in agriculture.

The program has two major initiatives: product labeling and federal procurement preference. The former certifies and awards labels to products to help consumer recognition of these biobased products, and the latter assigns categories of biobased products that are given preference by purchasing federal agencies.

This program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill, and expanded upon in the 2008 Farm Bill, also known as the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.


posted on 6/15/2011