Propelling Nebraska Agriculture into the Next Generation Bioeconomy
Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of the bioeconomy, where innovation, technology, and sustainability will drive global agricultural competitiveness. As one of the nation's premier agricultural states, Nebraska can become the leading destination for agricultural research, workforce development, and commercialization by investing in strategic partnerships, talent, and emerging technologies.
The University of Nebraska, working with producers, industry, USDA, and entrepreneurs, should advance transformational research in precision agriculture, regenerative systems, digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable bioproducts. Using Research Extension Education Centers and other producer connected platforms would position Nebraska as the national leader in resilient, secure, and sustainable food systems.
Nebraska should also accelerate the development of Nebraska’s bioeconomy through innovation in value-added agriculture, food process, bioproduct development novel crop innovations and advanced manufacturing. This effort would help bring new technologies, value-added products, sustainable aviation fuels, and other biobased innovations to market while strengthening farm profitability, attracting investment, and creating high-quality careers.
Investing into the development of Nebraska’s bioeconomy would leverage Nebraska’s agricultural and biotechnology strengths would create new economic opportunities, support workforce development, strengthen rural economies while preserving natural resources. A good example of this leverage is the Nebraska ethanol industry which is moving from a fuel platform to becoming a solution-based platform in regard to carbon management systems, next generation biomanufacturing, aviation and maritime fuels, and renewable chemicals to replace plastics.
By advancing innovation, strengthening research, expanding workforce development, and building public confidence in modern agriculture, Nebraska can become the nation's bioeconomy leader, grow rural prosperity while ensuring our farmers, ranchers, and natural resources continue to feed, fuel, and sustain the world for generations to come.