By David Reed, UT EditorWashington DC-Polyurethane-based roof coatings, and water tank coatings, are among a list of six items which US Federal agencies must aim to source from bio-based sources, according to a 5 July statement from the US Department of Agriculture.The six items must be given preference in procurement by Federal agencies under the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, authorised under Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The other four items are mobile equipment hydraulic fluids, diesel fuel additives, penetrating lubricants, and bedding, bed linens, and towels, the statement added.These are just the first of a preliminary list for priority consideration running to more than 130 products, with urethane roof coatings as the first item, through to a diverse range of products including moulded composites (fibres), and jewellery cleaner."The Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program creates a preference across the entire federal government to purchase biobased products, when practical, based on price, availability and performance," said US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, speaking at the 2005 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting earlier this year.Under the regulations, "Federal agencies must assure within one year after the publication of this final rule that their procurement specifications require the preference of biobased products consistent with this rule," she added later in her presentation.The programme is intended to "generate additional revenue and new economic opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, in the 5 July statement.A Website has been established to present all details of the programme, at http://www.biobased.oce.usda.gov"
