BEAM Circular, a nonprofit championing the circular bioeconomy, hosted the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology in the Central Valley last week — the 12th stop on the commission’s nationwide Biotech Across America roadshow.
The commission, established by Congress in 2022 to evaluate how emerging biotechnology impacts U.S. national security, the economy, critical infrastructure and domestic supply chains, published an action plan in April.
During the visit, commission members toured labs at the University of California, Merced, visited BEAM Circular’s headquarters in Modesto, and traveled to agricultural and industrial sites across Merced and Stanislaus counties. Stops included a walnut orchard, a biomanufacturing facility by Caribou Biofuels in Salida, and a hands-on vocational training center at VOLT Institute in Modesto.
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BEAM Circular and UC Merced highlighted how the northern San Joaquin Valley — rich in agricultural byproducts like orchard residues, nut shells, crop waste and forestry leftovers — could become a cornerstone for biobased manufacturing. Through advanced biotechnology, these biomass resources can be transformed into critical materials, renewable energy and sustainable bioproducts, all while strengthening regional supply chains and contributing to national security.
Local agricultural and industry leaders joined commission members in discussions about aligning biotechnology with the needs of growers. They emphasized that streamlined regulation, targeted investments and inclusive agricultural policy will be essential for smaller farms to participate in the emerging bioeconomy.
The trip also spotlighted workforce development programs at Modesto Junior College and VOLT Institute, where students and trainees heard firsthand from commission representatives about potential career opportunities in biomanufacturing, the circular economy and biotech innovation.
Commission Vice Chair Michelle Rozo praised BEAM Circular’s efforts, noting that fostering collaboration between industry, academia, farming and manufacturing “creates a strong and agile biotech ecosystem.” BEAM Circular CEO Karen Warner added that this kind of regional model can deliver new value streams for farmers, lower costs and strengthen U.S. biomanufacturing capacity.
