(MENAFN- News Direct) BioMADE will be investing in state-of-the-art bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure in Minnesota, following support of up to $100 million from Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature in the 2023 legislative session. The forthcoming biomanufacturing infrastructure investments in Minnesota will be the first start in a national Network of critically needed pilot-scale biomanufacturing innovation facilities that will transform American manufacturing for the 21st century.
“Minnesota is ready to be a leader in bioindustrial manufacturing,” said Governor Walz.“The positive impacts of bioindustrial manufacturing will go far beyond farming and rural communities, benefiting everyone by creating new products domestically, strengthening supply chains, and helping reach ambitious climate goals. From the farm to the manufacturing floor, bioindustrial manufacturing holds real promise for industry, farmers, and workforce in the state of Minnesota and the nation as a whole. From Fortune 20 companies to higher education to tech entrepreneurs, I'm excited for Minnesota to play a significant leadership role in the next generation manufacturing economy.”
“I commend Gov. Walz and legislative leaders for passing a state match to federal funding I secured for development of bioindustrial manufacturing hubs,” Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04) said.“This investment puts Minnesota at the forefront of revolutionizing manufacturing to harness homegrown agricultural products to deliver a cleaner, sustainable biomanufacturing economy and help achieve our carbon reduction goals.”
“We look forward to building partnerships with state and regional stakeholders as we identify sites and move forward with this infrastructure investment,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, BioMADE Chief Executive Officer.“We're grateful to Governor Walz, Congresswoman McCollum, and the Minnesota Legislature for their vision and support of this national initiative. Together, we are poised to secure domestic supply chains, develop sustainable products that are better for the environment, create new markets for American farmers, and provide new jobs to urban and rural communities.”
Bioindustrial manufacturing uses biology to convert agricultural feedstocks and waste streams to high-value chemicals, materials, and products that Americans use every day. Cement, fire-resistant materials, durable fibers, bioplastics, food products, and more can all be created through bioindustrial manufacturing.
The bipartisan support from state of Minnesota builds on federal investment and domestic biomanufacturing priorities established by Congress and the Biden administration. Congress included an initial investment of $300 million through the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act to support the first phase of a network of pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure around the country. Starting with this Minnesota site, BioMADE and its partners will establish the U.S. as a leader in the burgeoning bioeconomy while also strengthening American competitiveness and retaining American research and development efforts. Additionally, in September 2022, President Biden signed Executive Order 14081, which was issued to provide a whole-of-government approach for building a sustainable, safe, and secure American bioeconomy.
“Minnesota's agricultural industry plays an integral role in the state's economy and BioMADE will continue to strengthen, diversify, and grow this sector,” said Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL – Minneapolis).“I appreciate Representative McCollum's advocacy and commitment to this project and the partnership between the University of Minnesota and industries. This pilot project will allow Minnesota to be a leader in biomanufacturing and create new jobs in our state.”
“I couldn't be more excited to continue to support bioindustrial manufacturing in Minnesota,” said Senate President and Chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL – Minneapolis).“Congresswoman McCollum has been our congressional champion and she was gracious enough to attend our Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee to help explain the gravity of the opportunity in front of us. This could bring billions of dollars in investment and job creation to our state, and make us a leader in an industry that not only has huge growth potential, but could help address climate change by making products with renewable materials, rather than petroleum. As a state and country, we have a choice: we can make these investments now, and develop the infrastructure to produce these products at scale, or we can watch these jobs and industries grow overseas. I know what my preferred path is, and that's building that infrastructure and creating those good-paying jobs here in Minnesota.”
Although there are countless American companies working on bioindustrial manufacturing innovations every day, the current lack of domestic infrastructure required to transition from the laboratory to commercial production results in American companies moving their manufacturing operations overseas. BioMADE's multi-year effort to create a national network of domestic, pilot-scale infrastructure, and launch of the facility in Minnesota, will fundamentally transform American manufacturing and re-shore manufacturing jobs.
"Minnesota took strong steps this session to effectively compete for federal investments, especially in biomanufacturing," said Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (DFL – Brooklyn Park). "We are grateful to Congresswoman McCollum for her efforts to secure this federal funding and are excited to see the positive impact this emerging industry and BioMADE will have on Minnesota's economy. Minnesota has long had a reputation for innovation and a talented workforce - investments like these will keep us on the cutting edge and a national leader for years to come."
"For generations, Minnesotans have been innovators and builders of some of the most influential products and inventions in the world, said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R – East Grand Forks).“Continuing that leadership with support for bioindustrial manufacturing will keep everyone moving forward for a brighter future in a sustainable economy. I'm pleased to have been a small part of the future by partnering with BioMADE."
The investments in infrastructure, technologies, and workforce development to secure leadership in the bioeconomy will transform rural and urban communities and provide good-paying jobs for a diverse workforce. Growing domestic bioindustrial manufacturing will build far-reaching career pathways and create additional jobs through the construction of facilities, transportation services, and agricultural feedstock processing. The benefits to Minnesota's workforce and economy will extend to innovative start-ups, small companies, large industries, and agricultural producers.
“Biotechnology presents a new frontier for Minnesotans, an opportunity to build on our proud agricultural past and our characteristic optimism,” said Sen. Aric Putnam (DFL – St. Cloud).“This partnership between BioMADE, private industry, education, Federal and State governments will create new technology and new jobs, but it will also pave the way for a more green, sustainable future. This is a game-changer for Minnesota."
“Biomanufacturing is the way of the future, and Minnesota is leading the charge,” said author of the bill and Chair of the House Economic Development Committee, Rep. Hodan Hassan (DFL – Minneapolis).“As a state, we're on a great path towards clean energy, and investing in the Minnesota Forward Fund will not only be a key tool in a sustainable future, but it directly supports and grows Minnesota's workforce and economy. I was proud to carry this legislation, and I'm excited to see what the coming years of biomanufacturing bring.”
About BioMADE
BioMADE is securing America's future through biomanufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration. Bioindustrial manufacturing uses biology to convert agricultural feedstocks and waste streams to high-value chemicals, materials, and products.
By harnessing the power of biology, BioMADE and its 200+ member organizations are creating more robust and resilient supply chains, making the U.S. more self-sufficient, re-shoring manufacturing jobs, and producing more environmentally sustainable products without relying on traditional petroleum sources. BioMADE is also building a diverse and globally competitive STEM workforce to ensure American workers are prepared and ready to fill new jobs within this rapidly growing industry. Learn more by visiting biomade.org .