Asa ASKS congress to bring federal research funding for soybeans to a more equitable level in relation to federal research investments in other major commodities, and to provide the critical federal research dollars that are necessary for the long-term survival and competitiveness of the U.S. soy industry. We have the following specific requests:

1) Restore $10 million in funding for USDA soybean research projects terminated in the President’s proposed FY-05 budget;

2) Add $2.8 million to fund critical soybean rust research needed to prpare and better protect the U.S. soybean industry from soybean rust, a devastating plant disease that has been listed as a bio-terrorism threat:

· Screen the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection for exotic genotypes with new sources of genetic resistance to SBR, characterize genetic diversity among SBR isolates, and determine the economic efficacy of fungicide mediated control of SBR. Urbana, IL. ($800,000)

· Develop genetic markers from soybean to expedite selection of soybean germplasm with genes that improve plant tolerance to soybean rust pathogens and to initiate proteomic research on the genetic regulation of SBR resistance and the soybean-SBR interaction. Ames IA; Beltsville MD. ($800,000)

· Initiate a gene marker assisted breeding program and develop micro-arrays to expedite selection of agronomic genotypes for the Mid-South with multiple genes for resistance to SBR at Stoneville MS, and expand ARS research on the pathology of foliar diseases at Jackson TN. ($1,200,000)

3) Provide $1.5 million in FY-05 for the Legume Crops Genomics Initiative to fund

Development of molecular markets that can be used across multiple legume species (soybeans, alfalfa, peanuts, dry beans, peas, and lentils);

4) Through a collaborative effort called "QualiSoy," soybean producers, processors, seed and food companies have begun work to improve the intrinsic qualities of the soybean, and will be seeking Federal support for our efforts in future years;

5) Support two new projects totaling $250,000 in the President’s budget for controling Chinese aphids.

6) Support increased funding for bio-based products and bio-energy, especially biodiesel and soy-based products research; and

7) Continue multi-commodity efforts that tackle common diseases, such as the Sclerotinia Initiative.

Soybean research still falls behind USDA investment in the other commodities, not only in total dollar terms, but even more significantly when compared to planted acres and value of production. The numbers below are based on FY04 funding levels, and 2003/04 production levels.

As the table above shows, soybeans account for 34% of acreage and value of production of the top four commodities, but receive only 20% of research dollars.