BEAM Circular, in partnership with UC Merced, hosted the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology this week. The visit highlighted California’s agricultural regions’ potential to shape America’s bioeconomy. The Commission was convened by Congress to assess biotechnology’s impact on national security, economy, and critical sectors like defense, health, energy, and manufacturing.
This was the twelfth stop on the Commission’s Biotech Across America Roadshow. The tour aims to gather insights from communities advancing biotech research, innovation, and workforce development. It follows the April 2025 “Charting the Future of Biotechnology” report, which calls for strategic partnerships and increased biotech focus at the national level.
California’s North San Joaquin Valley boasts one of the most diverse biomass landscapes in the country. During the visit, BEAM Circular and UC Merced highlighted the region’s agricultural byproducts, food processing waste, and forestry residues. These materials have high potential for producing critical materials to strengthen supply chains and enhance national security.
Karen Warner, CEO of BEAM Circular, said, “Hosting the Commission allowed us to showcase how California’s agriculture can drive American biomanufacturing forward. Our biomass can create new value streams, lower costs for farmers, and bolster resilient manufacturing.”
Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the Commission, praised BEAM Circular’s role. She said, “They’re strengthening the Central Valley’s biotech ecosystem and helping meet federal policy goals regionally. Collaboration among industry, education, and farming creates a strong biotech future.”
Throughout the day, the Commission toured UC Merced, BEAM Circular’s headquarters in Modesto, the VOLT Institute, a walnut orchard, and Flory Industries, concluding with a demonstration at Caribou Biofuels.
