May 7, 2025
Washington, D.C. – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) commends the bipartisan reintroduction of the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act in the 119th Congress. This important legislation, led by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), will strengthen America’s rural economy, foster innovation in the bioeconomy, and create good-paying jobs.
“This bipartisan legislation is a direct investment in rural America and those in the agriculture industry who drive our economy,” said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “By expanding markets for agricultural feedstocks and supporting the next generation of biomanufacturing, this legislation will help secure America’s leadership in industrial innovation while creating good-paying jobs in communities across the country.”
The Ag BIO Act lays out a strategy to boost U.S. leadership in biomanufacturing by promoting emerging markets for agricultural raw materials like corn. It also aims to accelerate the shift from conventional manufacturing methods to more sustainable, homegrown materials and technologies.
The legislation modernizes and expands USDA’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, unlocking more opportunities for corn refiners and others in the ag bioeconomy. The bill supports the construction and retrofitting of pilot- and demonstration-scale biorefineries, critical infrastructure needed to bring innovative, corn-based bioproducts to market.
By simplifying eligibility requirements, clarifying loan provisions, and expanding the range of eligible outputs, the Ag BIO Act lays the foundation for a more robust and dynamic U.S. bioeconomy — one that empowers rural communities, builds resilient supply chains, and accelerates the development of state-of-the-art materials.
“CRA is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to working with Congress and rural leaders to drive innovation and job growth in the heartland,” said Bode.
The legislation and its underlying provisions are an integral part of CRA’s Farm Bill priorities.
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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.