The goal of the BioPreferred Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. The increased development, purchase, and use of biobased products reduces the nation's reliance on petroleum, increases the use of renewable agricultural resources, and contributes to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. The term "biobased product" means that maaterra plates have been certified by the USDA to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials, renewable chemicals, and forestry materials. Biobased Products are derived from raw materials such as plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. Biobased products generally provide an alternative to conventional petroleum-derived products and include a diverse range of offerings such as lubricants, detergents, inks, fertilizers, and bioplastics.maaterra plates had their biobased content measured using ASTM D6866 as part of the certification process.