The Agriculture Department has added 13 biobased product categories which are eligible for procurement preference.

President Obama has directed agencies to increase the use of biobased products, saying it will create jobs. He said most biobased producers are small businesses.

USDA says biobased products are composed wholly or significantly of biological ingredients in new or emerging markets—renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials.

The final rule, effective May 4, will make more than 1,500 additional products eligible for preferences. “There are now more than 10,000 products qualifying for preferred procurement under USDA’s BioPreferred program” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Including previously designated items, these 13 additional biobased product categories will help feed the president’s initiative by offering even more products with federal procurement preference.” The new product categories are:

·air fresheners and deodorizers
·asphalt and tar removers
·asphalt restorers
·blast media
·candles and wax melts
·electronic components cleaners
·floor coverings (non-carpet)
·foot care products
·furniture cleaners and protectors
·inks
·packing and insulating materials
·pneumatic equipment lubricants
·wood and concrete stains

A list and description of each BioPreferred designated item, and items for future designation, can be found at www.biopreferred.gov.

In a February memorandum, President Obama ordered the agriculture secretary to work with procurement technical assistance centers and SBA’s small business development centers to spread the word about the biobased purchasing program.