Join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota

What is the bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy is an economic model that encourages stewardship of air, land, and water through the production and use of renewable biobased resources and their sustainable and efficient transformation into bioproducts, bioenergy, and services.

About the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota

The Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota is a diverse group of stakeholders deeply invested in making Minnesota the place to build the bioeconomy. The coalition works across the entire supply chain to foster collaboration within the bioeconomy community, advance research and innovation, raise awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of biobased products, and advocate for policy and regulatory support.

Vision: A thriving Minnesota economy based on value-added biobased products that benefit the environment, support communities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mission: The Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota brings together everyone involved in the bioeconomy value chain for collective decision-making and action to educate, evaluate environmental impacts and benefits, and incentivize sustainable products to benefit our environment and grow our economy.

Made from renewable biomass like corn, soy, and other sources. Advanced biofuels have at least 50 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline.

Chemicals, polymers, monomers, or plastics not sold primarily as food, animal feed, or fuel. Composed of at least 51 percent biobased feedstock.

Heat produced from biomass (living or recently living biological materials that can be used for fuel or industrial production).

Renewable natural gas derived from biological sources, often through anaerobic digestion.

Who can join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota?

Any organization that supports positioning Minnesota as a global leader in the bioeconomy can apply to join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota. Our coalition comprises state advocates, local and state governments, utilities, research partners, trade groups, and industry partners.

Why join the coalition?

When you join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, you become part of a dedicated community working to make Minnesota well-known worldwide as the place to build the bioeconomy. The coalition adds value to Minnesota’s forestry, agriculture, and organic waste resources.

Members are part of a collective voice working to overcome barriers in the industry. Through collective action, the coalition ensures that the bioeconomy is essential to the clean energy innovation sector.

Our past successes demonstrate what we can achieve when we work together:

Passed a new sustainable aviation fuel tax incentive, providing up to $1.50 per gallon of the fuel produced or blended in Minnesota.
Supported initiating a clean transportation standard working group to explore challenges and support for a clean transportation bill in 2024.
Increased funding for Minnesota’s Bioincentive Program to $5.75 million annually. This program is the main incentive for the state’s advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biomass thermal energy producers.
Passed the Natural Gas Innovation Act, allowing regulated natural gas utilities the flexibility to invest in biogas, renewable natural gas, power to hydrogen, power to ammonia, carbon capture and utilization, strategic electrification, district energy, and energy efficiency.

Membership levels

We have various membership levels. Suggested annual dues are based on an organization’s type, size, and vested interest in Minnesota’s bioeconomy.

Benefits

Group memberships

Entities joining at the $5,000 or above levels are eligible for group memberships. With a group membership, subsidiaries or members of a parent company or trade association (i.e., affiliates) can receive 25 percent off their annual dues.

Affiliates and parent companies can receive additional discounts by referring another organization to join. To receive the referral discount, affiliates or parent companies must refer an unrelated organization. Referral discounts will apply to the following year’s membership. Inquire about group memberships today!

Benefits:

Affiliates receive a discounted annual membership.

Caps:

The Champion level allows up to 20 affiliate memberships.
The Visionary level allows up to 30 affiliate memberships.

Membership benefits

Supporting members (paying and in-kind)

Exclusive access and influence

Collaborate with diverse stakeholders committed to growing the bioeconomy to benefit the entire industry. Through collective action, move the needle toward an improved bioeconomy.
Serve on a committee (policy or steering committee)
Influence the coalition’s strategy, including policy positions

Knowledge

Attend quarterly member meetings to stay apprised of industry innovation, member activities, and policy efforts
Receive first-hand access to tools and materials developed by staff

Promotional opportunities

Promote bioeconomy events on the coalition’s website
Submit topical blog posts on the coalition’s website

Recognition, networking, and exposure

Grow your network and establish useful working relationships to help advance your projects.
Be recognized for the work you or your organization is doing to improve Minnesota’s bioeconomy.
Have your name or organization’s logo on the coalition’s website
Have your organization featured on the coalition’s blog
Attend networking events

Observers

Exclusive access and influence

Serve on the policy committee

Knowledge

Attend quarterly member meetings to stay apprised of industry innovation, member activities, and policy efforts
Receive first-hand access to tools and materials developed by staff

Promotional opportunities

Promote bioeconomy events on the coalition’s website

Networking and exposure

Grow your network and establish useful working relationships to help advance your projects.
Attend networking events for a fee

Referral program

Existing members can receive 5 percent off their next year’s annual dues for referring a new member, who will also receive a 5 percent discount. Members can refer up to three organizations for a maximum discount of 15 percent off next year’s annual dues.

Add-ons

For an added fee, Bioeconomy Coalition staff can provide the following services:

Government affairs assistance
Meeting facilitation
Community engagement

Please inquire about our additional services today!

Testimonial

“I value being a part of the Bioeconomy Coalition because it represents a strong range of expertise and experience that leads to innovative thinking and new solutions.”

—K. Fernholz, Dovetail Partners

Application

Fill out the appropriate application form below to join the coalition. Our steering committee will review your application, and staff will inform you of the committee’s decision.

Organization

Fields marked with an * are required

Company/organization name *

Mailing address *

City *

State *

Zip *

Contact name *

Phone *

Email *

How is your organization working to advance the bioeconomy in Minnesota? *

Why does your organization want to join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota? *

Please select the appropriate response: *

My organization can contribute annual membership dues
My organization cannot financially support the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota. Instead, we will provide in-kind support (e.g., staff time, sponsorship of meetings or events, etc.)

Select the appropriate membership level *

Enroll my organization in auto-renewals. By selecting this option, the Great Plains Institute will send you an invoice around the same time every year. You have the ability to unenroll from auto-renewal at any time.

Affiliate

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Organization name *

Name to Appear on Event Materials *

Mailing Address *

City *

Zip *

State *

Contact Name *

Phone *

Email *

As an affiliate, you will receive 25 percent off our regular membership levels. The membership levels below reflect the 25 percent discount. Select the appropriate membership level based on company size. *

Which organization are you an affiliate of?

Individual

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Name *

Name to Appear on Event Materials *

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zip *

Contact Name *

Phone *

Email *

How are you working to advance the bioeconomy in Minnesota?

Why do you want to join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota?

Please select the appropriate response:

I can contribute annual membership dues
I cannot financially support the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota. Instead, we will provide in-kind support (e.g., staff time, sponsorship of meetings or events, etc.)

Membership level *

Indicate other membership level if applicable

Student

Fields marked with an * are required

Name *

Name to Appear on Event Materials *

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zip *

Contact Name *

Phone *

Email *

How are you working to advance the bioeconomy in Minnesota?

Why do you want to join the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota?

Membership level *