USDA Certified Biobased Product

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is a voluntary certification administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the BioPreferred® Program, established by the 2002 Farm Bill and expanded by the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act. The certification verifies that a product contains a verified percentage of biobased content — materials derived from renewable biological sources such as plants, marine materials, and forestry resources — as measured by the ASTM D6866 standard test method. Products that meet the program's biobased content thresholds earn the right to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, signaling to buyers that the product reduces reliance on petroleum-derived inputs.

The program serves two complementary purposes: it establishes mandatory purchasing requirements for federal agencies and their contractors across 139 identified product categories, and it offers a voluntary labeling initiative that helps manufacturers differentiate their products in the marketplace. Eligible products span a wide range of commercial and industrial categories including lubricants, cleaners, detergents, inks, fertilizers, paints, and bioplastics — but explicitly exclude food, animal feed, and fuel.

The BioPreferred Program is particularly valuable for manufacturers and suppliers seeking to access federal procurement markets, demonstrate environmental responsibility, and meet growing demand for sustainable, bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived products. By participating, companies gain a credible, government-backed label that supports marketing efforts, opens doors to federal contracting opportunities, and contributes to broader goals of rural economic development and reduced environmental impact.