Current Issues
 

ASA submitted its top 2009 policy priorities to the Obama Administration. By developing and advocating soybean farmer top policy priorities to the Administration, ASA continues its rich tradition of working in the best interest of U.S. soybean farmers. LEARN MORE

ASA applauded the passage of the Farm Bill in 2008 and now urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the programs that are part of the bill in a timely manner. ASA will work with other agricultural organizations to ensure favorable regulations for the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program. ASA will also look to ensure favorable regulations for biodiesel payments under the Bioenergy Program that pays on all gallons of biodiesel, not just incremental production above the previous year. LEARN MORE

ASA supports a long-term extension of the biodiesel tax incentive. The biodiesel tax incentive was created as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended it through December 31, 2008. With the support of ASA members, the financial rescue passage, in which the biodiesel legislation was included, was passed, extending the tax incentive through December 31, 2009. LEARN MORE

ASA is seeking help from USDA to secure permanent funding for the soybean rust early warning and management system known as ipmPIPE. ASA supports full authorized funding for market development and export promotion programs like the Foreign Market Development program and the Market Access Program. ASA supports funding for Food Assistance Programs, like the Dole-McGovern Food for Education Program and supports full authorized funding for USDA's Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Security Program (CSP). LEARN MORE

ASA strongly believes that any climate change or greenhouse gas emissions framework should take a voluntary, non-regulatory approach toward agriculture. When legislation on climate change is proposed, ASA will look to ensure that agriculture is not negatively impacted and that the legislation will work to optimize opportunities for farmers to expand their markets and provide carbon offset credits. LEARN MORE

ASA supports all U.S. food aid programs, and opposes replacing U.S. food aid with cash donations. ASA supports USAID Title II funding at not less than $2.0 billion, Food for Progress at not less than $200 million, and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program at not less than $300 million. ASA supports increasing funding for emergency food assistance as necessary. ASA opposes reductions in development food aid to offset shortfalls in emergency funding. LEARN MORE

AQUACULTURE

ASA supports enactment of offshore aquaculture legislation that will create a permitting and regulatory system leading to development of a domestic offshore aquaculture industry. U.S. regulatory framework is needed for this new source of demand for U.S. soybean meal. ASA supports research on plant-based feeds to position soy as the economically viable and environmentally friendlier alternative to fish meal and fish oil. LEARN MORE

ASA encourages the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue its efforts, including the labeling program and appropriate verification of claims, as well as other efforts to expand on the opportunities for the young U.S. biobased industry to grow and reach its full potential. LEARN MORE

Funding is needed for the construction and renovation of locks and dams on U.S. waterways. ASA urged members of the House to support $2 billion in funding for lock and dam upgrades that is included in an economic stimulus bill that is being developed. ASA strongly supports the effort to upgrade existing locks and dams and construct new ones to improve transportation on the Mississippi and Illinois River system. Funding for locks and dams would create jobs, improve transportation of agricultural and other commodities, improve the environment and boost the economy. LEARN MORE

ASA supports efforts to expand trade through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with provide the U.S. equal or better access to foreign markets than countries grant to U.S. competitors. ASA supports negotiation of FTAs that eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers for all soybean products, and provide fair and meaningful access for pork and poultry products. LEARN MORE

Each year, the American Soybean Association brings together Members of Congress, their staff, government officials and farmer leaders at a luncheon featuring a wide variety of tasty soyfoods and beverages. The annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch on Capitol Hill provides a unique opportunity for the U.S. soybean industry to showcase a taste of the ever-expanding selection of fabulous soyfoods and beverages available today. LEARN MORE

ASA has grave concerns about the draft standard for sustainable agriculture, published as part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards setting process. The draft standard specifies that only organic and non-biotech production can qualify as "sustainable" production, effectively restricting eligibility to the 0.2 percent of commercial soybean acreage that is currently considerd organic. LEARN MORE

ASA supports negotiation of trade agreements that significantly improve access to foreign markets for U.S. soy and livestock products. ASA opposes legislation or other measures that are protectionist, and that encourage U.S. trading partners to take similar actions. ASA supports aggressive enforcement of existing agreements when importing countries create non-tariff trade barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures, which are not justified by sound science. LEARN MORE

ASA Testifies on Flaws in EPA’s Proposed Rule for Renewable Fuel Standard (06/09/09)

ASA Testifies Federal Policy Undermining Investor Confidence in Biodiesel (05/21/09)

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