When most people think about biotechnology, they often think about medicine or science labs. But during our most recent Forum, leaders from across agriculture, manufacturing, research, and policy explored a different reality: biotechnology is increasingly becoming part of the future of farming itself. 

And in many ways, that future is already here. 

The conversation centered on the growing “bioeconomy,” a term used to describe products and industries powered by biological resources and life science innovation. While that may sound technical, the real-world applications are surprisingly familiar. 

Paper products. Household cleaners. Clothing fibers. Food ingredients. Renewable fuels. Packaging materials. Even alternatives to plastics and industrial chemicals. 

Many of these products can now be created using agricultural feedstocks and advanced fermentation technologies, opening the door to entirely new markets for farmers and rural communities. 

Agriculture’s Expanding Role 

Biotechnology is increasingly being viewed as a solution to some of the world’s biggest challenges, including food security, climate resilience, health, and sustainable manufacturing. 

For decades, agriculture has largely focused on producing food, feed, and fuel. But biotechnology is rapidly expanding what crops and agricultural byproducts can become. 

One topic discussed throughout the Forum was precision fermentation, a process that uses feedstocks like corn sugar, soy glycerol, sorghum, sugar beets, and sugar cane to create products through fermentation. In simple terms, plant materials are placed into fermentation systems where microorganisms produce ingredients and materials that can later be used in consumer goods and manufacturing.  

The products created through these systems can range from natural food dyes and personal care products to polymers designed to replace petroleum-based plastics. Speakers noted that many major companies have already been using fermentation technologies in parts of their product portfolios for years.  

For agriculture, that means crops may increasingly serve as the foundation for industries far beyond traditional commodity markets. 

A Growing Consumer Market 

Consumer awareness around plant-based and bio-based products is also growing. 

Research shared during the forum showed that 67% of consumers say they use plant-based products monthly, while 86% say they are likely to include plant-based products in the next three months.  

Importantly, panelists emphasized that these products are not limited to food. Consumers are already encountering bio-based materials in: 

• disposable food service ware  

• household cleaning products  

• paper goods  

• clothing and textiles  

• personal care products  

Speakers also noted that consumers increasingly view agriculture more favorably when they understand the role farmers play in producing these materials and products.  

Why the Midwest Matters 

The Midwest is particularly well-positioned to play a major role in the bioeconomy because of its strong agricultural production and existing infrastructure. 

Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska were repeatedly highlighted during the discussion as regions likely to see continued growth in biomanufacturing and fermentation technologies. Biomass and agricultural feedstocks are often processed close to where they are produced because transportation can be expensive and inefficient.  

Panelists also discussed how biotechnology could help strengthen rural economies by creating additional demand for agricultural products while supporting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported materials. 

At a time when farmers continue to face rising input costs and economic uncertainty, many speakers described biotechnology as an opportunity to diversify markets and create additional value streams tied to agriculture. 

The Biggest Barrier: Infrastructure 

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding biotechnology, one challenge surfaced repeatedly throughout the forum: the United States lacks enough infrastructure to scale many of these technologies. 

One speaker compared the process to baking cookies: 

• The lab stage is like baking in a home kitchen  

• Pilot facilities are like a larger commercial kitchen  

• Demonstration facilities represent scaling for broader production  

• Full manufacturing is the equivalent of getting products onto grocery store shelves  

The problem, panelists explained, is that many technologies struggle to move beyond the pilot stage because building manufacturing infrastructure is expensive and complex.  

The Integrated Fermentation and Biomanufacturing (IFAB) initiative was highlighted as one effort working to address this gap. Federally and state-funded investments are helping build shared infrastructure, including fermentation tanks and pilot facilities, so companies do not each need to independently build costly manufacturing systems from scratch. 

Several speakers stressed the need for additional investment in pilot facilities, demonstration infrastructure, feedstock processing, and manufacturing systems to help promising technologies successfully reach commercial scale. 

Without that investment, some companies may continue moving operations overseas to countries with lower costs and stronger infrastructure support. 

Research and Policy Will Shape the Future 

The conversation also focused heavily on the role of research and public policy in determining whether the United States can remain competitive in the growing bioeconomy. 

Panelists discussed federal initiatives supporting biomanufacturing, renewable fuels, and rural infrastructure, along with state-level investments designed to position regions like Illinois as leaders in agricultural innovation.  

At the same time, concerns were raised about declining agricultural research funding and increasing global competition from countries like China and Brazil. 

Several speakers emphasized that continued investment in agricultural research, crop science, and biotechnology will be critical to improving yields, increasing efficiency, and developing sustainable solutions that can meet future demand without dramatically expanding agricultural land use.  

Building Public Trust & Understanding 

Throughout the discussion, panelists repeatedly returned to one final theme: public trust and understanding matter. 

Many consumers still do not fully understand what biotechnology is, how bio-based products are made, or how they fit into everyday life. Speakers stressed the importance of transparency and communication that helps people connect these technologies to practical outcomes, whether that means safer manufacturing jobs, more sustainable materials, or new opportunities for farmers and rural communities. 

The post From Cornfields to Consumer Products: How Biotechnology Could Create New Opportunities for Farmers  appeared first on Farm Foundation.