This report on bio-based products just came out of Minnesota's Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. 

Bio-based products from corn, soybeans and other agricultural products can be as a substitute for petroleum-based products. A primary example: bio-plastics. 

But before these bio-based products make inroads, manufacturers need some significant questions answered. Accelerating the commercialization of these technologies will require new networks to form between Minnesota's agricultural and manufacturing sectors. 

You can read more here. 

Canada has focused on this potential for some time.