The 2002 Farm Bill defines a biobased product as a commercial or industrial product, other than food or feed, that consists primarily of raw agricultural materials or wastes or forestry materials. Examples of biobased products include polymers, lubricants, solvents, composites, and energy. CSREES seeks to build a scientific knowledge base from which to use agricultural and forestry materials more fully and effectively in nonfood products. It also seeks to improve their competitive value and quality. CSREES is addressing the challenges of the emerging biobased industry with programs that support research, development, demonstration, and pre-commercialization activities. Biobased products and relevant processing technologies expand the role of agriculture in a number of ways. They offer new areas of focus for agricultural research, new business opportunities, economic development in rural areas, crop diversification, and environmental and performance advantages over traditional industrial products.
In Focus
Partnerships
Events
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Competitive Grants Grantsmanship Workshops, Washington, DC/Salt Lake City, UT, September/October, 2008.
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Galaxy III Conference: "Celebrating the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities," Indianapolis, IN, September 15-19, 2008.
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Transition to a Bioeconomy: Environmental and Rural Development Impacts, St. Louis, MO, October 15-16, 2008.
Selected Results and Impacts
Resources
Contacts
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