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Farm Foundation Forum: Opportunities for US Agriculture in the Bio-Based Materials and Energy Economy

Farm Foundation Forum:
Opportunities for US Agriculture in the Bio-Based Materials and Energy Economy

About the Forum

Plant-derived innovation rapidly expanded beyond traditional agricultural markets, powering a new generation of industrial materials, bio-based fuels, and advanced manufacturing inputs. As technologies evolved and sustainability pressures intensified, these emerging pathways reshaped how agricultural outputs were produced, processed, and utilized across the bioeconomy.

This Farm Foundation Forum explored the scientific and technological breakthroughs driving this shift, the policy and market conditions required to scale adoption, and the infrastructure and investment needed to support growth. The session highlighted how plant-based industrial applications could strengthen American agriculture, diversify revenue streams, and unlock new value across energy, materials, and manufacturing systems.

Presentation Deck

Video Recording

Panelists:

Beth Conerty
Regional Innovation Officer, iFAB
Associate Director, Business Development, IBRL, University of Illinois

Sarah Glaven
Visiting Fellow, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University
Founder & Principal, Marathon Bio

James Glueck
Executive Director, Plant Based Products Council
Senior Vice President, Advanced Bioproducts, Corn Refiners Association

Greg Jaffe
President, Jaffe Policy Consulting
Former Senior Advisor, USDA