According to NGFA, President Biden signed an executive order on Sept. 12 to launch a National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative.

The White House also hosted a Sept. 14 summit on the initiative, during which government leaders discussed plans to spend $2 billion on biotechnologies and biomanufacturing. As part of the plan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide $500 million through a grant program for fertilizer production. The Defense Department will invest $1 billion into bioindustrial domestic manufacturing over five years and use an additional $200 million to support enhancements in biosecurity and cybersecurity.

Among other things, the executive order issued on Monday gives USDA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 180 days to identify areas of “ambiguity, gaps or uncertainties” in the federal regulatory system for biotechnology. The order says the complexity of the system can be “confusing and create challenges for businesses to navigate.”

Within 280 days, the agencies are required to submit a plan for implementing reforms, including identifying regulations and guidance documents that need to be “updated, streamlined or clarified.”

Separately, the order requires USDA to write a report on ways to “use biotechnology and bio-manufacturing for food and agriculture innovation,” including for improving land conservation, increasing crop yields, and protecting against plant and animal pests and diseases. The order also seeks to increase the government’s use of bio-based products by requiring agencies to train staff on purchasing those goods.