Ron Buckhalt | Manager | BioPreferred Program, USDA, Washington DC
Ron Buckhalt is a recognized world leader in advancing the "bioeconomy," encouraging innovation and creating new biobased markets across many sectors including renewable chemicals, plastics, composites, lubricants, cleaners, and surfactants.
Ron Buckhalt currently manages USDA’s BioPreferred program, a mandatory Federal procurement program that requires all Federal agencies to buy and use biobased products designated by USDA. The program also supports a voluntary consumer label, “USDA Certified Biobased Product.” He brings more than 25 years of experience developing and executing strategic communications and policy initiatives for industrial biotech, achieving results in both the private and public sectors. Ron's expertise includes technical innovation, communications, media relations, government affairs, and public policy. Ron has worked as a Congressional Press Secretary, executive branch political appointee, public relations executive, and communications consultant. As CEO of his own consulting firm, he provided legislative, public relations, educational, and management services to many small business clients and the Federal government.
Ron Buckhalt earned a degree in journalism from Auburn University.
