WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today applauded Senate Leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) along with Senate Agriculture Committee Leaders Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kans.) and other Senators for reauthorizing the Farm Bill, including a strong Energy Title with mandatory funding for vital renewable energy programs.

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section, stated, Farm Bill energy programs play an essential role in helping new companies unlock private investment capital for construction of innovative biorefineries; putting underutilized farmland back into production of next-generation energy crops; and revitalizing rural America. These programs can continue to provide a high rate of return to America by supporting the emergence of new agricultural markets and innovative industries, such as renewable chemicals. The programs have already supported construction of a number of new biorefineries in every region of the United States, creating new employment opportunities and economic revitalization of rural areas.

BIO applauds the bipartisan cooperation that brought this legislation to successful passage. We urge leaders of the House of Representatives to take up this important legislation.

For more information, see the BIO factsheet Farm Bill Energy Title: Timeline of a Successful Policy Initiative.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO India International Conference September 12 13, 2012 Mumbai, India

Livestock Biotech Summit September 19 21, 2012 Kansas City, MO

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BIO Applauds Senate Reauthorization of Farm Bill