Emerging Importance of Bio-Based Products and Bio-Energy

Bio-based products are non-food, non-feed agricultural products that are used in a variety of commercial / industrial applications, thereby harnessing the energy of the sun to provide raw materials for industry and transportation fuels. The importance of bio-based products in the U.S. and the global economy is expected to increase tremendously. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) identify various bio-based products and energy sources and their applications, (2) examine emerging importance of bio-based products in the U.S. and discuss technical marketing barriers and need for market development and maintenance of information resources, and (3) discuss a plan to prepare students to work in the bio-based product economy. Ó 2003 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IAMA). All rights reserved