Sustainable Acquisition

The purpose of USDA's sustainable acquisition program (formerly, green purchasing) is to promote the purchase of recycled content products, biobased products, Energy Star and energy-efficient products, environmentally preferable products and services, water efficient products, non-ozone depleting substances, and non-toxic or less toxic chemicals in accord with E.O. 13514 and other legislative and executive order requirements. The implementing guidance is documented in the Sustainable Procurement Program.

Because of USDA's unique role in promoting biobased products under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, USDA also has a specific USDA Biobased Affirmative Procurement Program.  More information can also be found about BioPreferred^SM Products.