The Farmer's Daughter USA

Hi, I'm Amanda! My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm also a practicing attorney.

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USDA Launches Bioproduct Pilot Program

July 25, 2022

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is launching a Bioproduct Pilot Program as directed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Through the program, the USDA will partner with at least one qualified institution to invest $10 million in the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing. The program’s goal is to provide low-cost, more sustainable alternatives to conventional products. And the hope is that these products will spur economic growth in rural areas and provide farmers with another revenue stream.

In reviewing submissions, the USDA is considering the bioproduct’s impact related to:

  • Cost savings relative to other commonly used alternative materials;
  • Greenhouse gas emission reductions and other environmental benefits relative to their commonly used alternative materials;
  • Lifecycle and longevity-extending characteristics relative to other commonly used alternative materials;
  • Lifecycle and longevity-reducing characteristics relative to other commonly used alternative materials;
  • Landfill quantity and waste management cost reductions;
  • Product development and production scale-up; and
  • Any other benefits that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

I’ll admit I’m confused as to why we only look to fix our current environmental problems by recreating the wheel or turning back time. Plastic pollution is a huge issue, and discarded plastic products will sit in landfills forever because they don’t decompose. So the solution our society accepts is that we should just stop using plastic (goodbye, plastic straws!).

But that’s a pipe dream—consumers are used to buying things, like soaps, shampoos, and food, in plastic containers. That’s how our economy has developed. And despite years of complaining about it, there’s little progress (welcome back, plastic straws!). A few companies have found ways to reuse discarded plastic, we encourage recycling, and we’ve reduced our consumption on some items. But that isn’t putting a dent in the problem.

So why don’t we ever try something else?

What if we could use biological products, that will decompose over time, as an alternative to plastic? Corn plastic, which is biodegradable, was something companies were exploring ahead of the economic recession in 2008. We could swap out containers for things like soap, shampoo, and household cleaners with more environmentally friendly plant-based plastic. Widespread adoption would reduce plastic pollution and allow consumers to continue their shopping habits. You know, meeting people where they are.

So I’m interested to see whether this pilot program can spur such innovation. Yeah, I know, it’s the government and the chances of success might be low. But maybe this investment can at least serve as a foundation for future endeavors. Maybe it’ll inspire creative entrepreneurs to design more realistic solutions. Maybe society will stop spinning in circles to find the answers.

You can submit an application for the program here through August 31, 2022.

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Filed Under: Government Affairs, Special Issues Tagged With: federal government, government affairs, sustainability, USDA

Hi, I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney and I'm passionate about agriculture!

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thefarmersdaughterusa

I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney by day, and "agvocate" at night.

Amanda Zaluckyj
Some of the #soybeans are starting to turn--finall Some of the #soybeans are starting to turn--finally!
Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. I took Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. 

I took this photo over the weekend. These beans should be turning yellow and drying for harvest. So why aren't they? Because...the spring drought.

Seeds need water to germinate. But after we planted we didn't have rain for weeks. So those seeds just sat in the dirt and never sprouted. Then, finally, it rained. And the tiny plants started popping up.

The problem? It was several weeks too late for planting. The question is whether they'll be ready to harvest before the snow flies. We have shorter seasons in Michigan, so it'll be close.
Sunsets on the #farm are the best. ๐Ÿ˜ Sunsets on the #farm are the best. ๐Ÿ˜
๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ
Don't let anyone make you feel bad about not purch Don't let anyone make you feel bad about not purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. It all counts.

#modernagriculture #foodproduction #usfarmers #usagriculture #usfarms #food #knowyourfarmer #knowyourfood #modernag #farms #sustainableagriclture #sustainablefarming
I visited one of my favorite local farm stands ove I visited one of my favorite local farm stands over the weekend. I thought I'd buy a couple zucchini and cantaloupe. But the zucchini looked more like clubs, and the cantaloupe was too ripe for my taste. So I passed on those and bought some tomatoes that maybe cost more than I would have preferred.

But you know what I didn't do? I didn't complain about the zucchinis' size. I didn't fuss about the melons' ripeness. I didn't criticize the tomatoes' price. Instead, I smiled at the lovely lady and made small talk as I paid and went about my day. 

Why? Because I remember what it was like being out by the side of the road hot day after hot day. I know that we all poured everything we had into that produce. I remember how defeating it felt when some criticized it. I know that the price is probably around market value, even if it's cheaper in the grocery store. And I know that the farm family behind that cash register is giving everything they have to chase a dream.

I won't be the one to rain on their parade. 

#Respect
Happy #nationaldogday from Mischa! #nationaldogda Happy #nationaldogday from Mischa!

#nationaldogday๐Ÿถ 
#pittiemix 
#blacklab 
#mischa
Mischa and I are home on the farm for the weekend. Mischa and I are home on the farm for the weekend. And we're loving it.
It isn't one or the other. Farmers care about all It isn't one or the other. Farmers care about all of it.

#agriculture #farming #sustainablefarming #sustainability
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