WASHINGTON, August 6, 2014 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a final rule eliminating the restrictions on including mature market wood products and other materials in the BioPreferred program. The action implements changes included in the 2014 Farm Bill.

"Every day, companies across the nation are expanding markets for agriculture and growing job opportunities in rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The inclusion of innovative wood products furthers our commitment to strengthening the biobased economy and ensures that the Federal government uses home American grown products whenever possible."