NOVELTY - Bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst comprises: a modified support; a metal component; and a promoter.    USE - The bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst is useful in the production of hydrogen, which is used in petrochemical processes or fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE - The bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst is capable of: use in reforming processes without sensitivity to change in feed that exhibit increased selectivity, e.g. catalyst activity can be restored to commercially viable levels upon change of feedstock without shutdown of the reformer; operation at lower reformer temperatures while exhibiting increased process efficiencies (at least 5% greater, preferably 10% greater) over identical processes operated at high reformer temperatures, where the lower reformer temperatures, result in lower utilities demand, lower construction material cost (due at least in part to a reduction in corrosion and stress on process equipment), a reduced carbon dioxide footprint (e.g. decreased carbon dioxide levels in the reformate), more favorable water gas shift equilibrium and increased hydrogen levels in the reformate. The bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst provides: hydrogen with high purity, which can be used in variety of applications, without further reaction or purification; and the conversion rate of ethanol to hydrogen significantly greater than that of traditional processes (e.g. processes utilizing conventional steam reforming catalysts); and hydrogen yield of at least 60%, preferably 90%.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for preparing the bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst, comprising: providing a support material comprising transition metal oxide; providing modifier comprising an alkaline earth element; contacting the support material with the modifier to form a modified support; providing a metal component comprising group VIII transition metal; contacting the support material and/or the modified support with the metal component to form the steam reforming catalyst; and contacting the modified support, the metal component and/or the steam reforming catalyst with a promoter.