ASA Celebrates Passage
of Retroactive Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension
The American Soybean Association (ASA) celebrated final
passage of legislation that includes a retroactive extension
of the biodiesel tax incentive and ASA-supported estate tax
provisions. The biodiesel tax credit has a direct impact on
jobs and is critical to supporting the biodiesel industry, a
major market for U.S. soybean oil and a key factor in
supporting domestic soybean prices in recent years. ASA and
its state affiliates successfully championed the original
biodiesel incentive that became law in 2004. In 2005, ASA
also achieved its goal when the landmark Energy Bill
extended the biodiesel tax incentive through 2008.
ASA Applauds Conclusion
of Korean Trade Agreement The American Soybean
Association (ASA) expressed appreciation to President Barack
Obama and his team of negotiators who brought a successful
conclusion to a United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement
(KORUS FTA) that would create landmark opportunities for
U.S. soy, meat, and poultry exports. ASA leaders are now
urging Congress to swiftly vote approval of the necessary
implementing legislation for this historic free trade
agreement. ASA greatly appreciate the work of U.S.
negotiators who concluded a trade agreement that achieves
ASA’s objectives. ASA has provided input to the U.S. Trade
Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding
the benefits of the FTA with Korea for a number of years.
Sale of U.S. Soybean Oil
Exports to China Made Possible The American Soybean
Association (ASA), National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA),
and North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) worked
in together to convince the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) to begin issuing phytosanitary certificates for U.S.
soybean oil shipments to China. Phytosanitary certificates
provide that an export shipment is free of pests. Although
such certificates shouldn’t be required for a product like
soybean oil that is highly processed at high temperatures,
China currently requires these certificates and our export
competitors issue them in order to make sales to China. To
take advantage of unique market opportunities presented by
Argentina’s exclusion from the China market, ASA along with
NOPA and NAEGA convinced USDA to begin issuing certificates.
U.S. sales of soybean oil occurred almost immediately.
Clear Path for Soybeans
with Royalty-Free Generic RR1 Trait in 2015 The American
Soybean Association (ASA) worked with Monsanto and others in
the seed industry to take steps so that seed companies have
the option of offering generic RR1 trait to farmers in
top-yielding varieties in 2015 and beyond. Monsanto took
constructive steps that enhance the opportunity for the
development and availability in 2015 and beyond of soybean
varieties with the generic RR1 trait.
Bioenergy Program
Revised to Include Significant Soy Biodiesel Plants The
American Soybean Association (ASA) successfully lobbied the
U.S. Department of Agriculture to eliminate the rural area
and domestic ownership requirements in the Bioenergy Program
rule that excluded participation of several significant soy
biodiesel plants. As a result, these producers will receive
much-needed payments at a time when the biodiesel tax credit
is not available. Thanks to ASA’s efforts during the last
Farm Bill, there will be a total of $300 million made
available to biodiesel and other advanced biofuels producers
over four years (FY2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012).
ASA Applauds EPA RFS2
Final Rule Favorable to Biodiesel The American Soybean
Association (ASA) applauded the release on Feb. 3, of the
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Final Rule for the
Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS2) that provides a
positive outcome for biodiesel and soy biodiesel. Even with
the inclusion of questionable indirect land use variables,
EPA determined that soy biodiesel can achieve Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions reductions of 57 percent, exceeding the 50
percent reduction threshold needed to qualify for the RFS2
biodiesel mandate. ASA and its members have worked
hard to educate EPA and policymakers to correct flaws in the
original RFS2 Proposed Rule issues in 2009. ASA generated
significant grassroots support and provided extensive
information during the EPA’s comment period on RFS2,
resulting in thousands of comments from soybean producers
and industry supporters being submitted to EPA.
ASA Launches Online Advocacy Training Center for Growers
The American Soybean Association (ASA) unveiled its new
online Advocacy Training Center that teaches basic skills
and protocols for advocating farmer-friendly policy to
elected officials. It is also designed to encourage more
farmers to get actively involved in the political process by
showing how easy it can be to participate and be successful
in grassroots advocacy. The training experience is divided
into four modules: Effective Advocacy, Ethics and
Fundraising, Communicating with Congress, and Meeting with
Elected Officials. Each module takes only 10 to 15 minutes
to complete, and each module features an interactive
self-test at the end so growers can see what they have
learned. In addition, Advocacy Resources and a Help Center
are also provided, as well as links to interviews with ASA
leaders and policy staff, and external links to additional
materials. |
