AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

2007-2008 RESOLUTIONS
As Adopted by the
Voting Delegates at the
Annual Meeting of the Members
March 3, 2007

I. EXPORTS, MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE POLICIES

I. EXPORTS, MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE POLICIES 

1.0.00 Preamble

1.0.01 The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognizes that U.S. soybeans and soybean products must have fair access to world markets and must compete in price, quality and availability for markets.

1.1.00 Government Support of Market Development and Export Sales

1.1.01 The U.S. Administration shall take into account the impact of international exchange rates on U.S. export competitiveness.

1.1.02 ASA encourages Congress and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to maximize funding for market development efforts and to respond quickly to opportunities in international trade. 

1.1.03 ASA supports efforts to improve U.S. competitiveness in global markets for whole soybeans processed and high value products.

1.1.04 ASA urges Congress and the Administration to aggressively support P.L. 480 and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) grant programs and initiatives to expand exports of U.S. soybeans and soybean products. 

1.1.05 ASA supports provision of sufficient export credit guarantees, Suppliers Credit and Facilities Credit guarantees.

1.1.06 ASA commends the FAS of the USDA for work in expanding markets for U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans. ASA recommends that future Federal funding for foreign market development be maintained at an annual rate commensurate to inflation rates and increased marketing needs.

1.1.07 ASA strongly urges that USB continue full funding of international marketing in order to fully qualify for FAS matching funds.

1.1.08 ASA supports all meat and aquaculture export programs.

1.1.09 Encourage the development of common national and international standards for maximum residual levels of animal health products in livestock trade internationally.


1.2.00 Quality and Grading Standards for Soybeans and Soybean Products

1.2.01 ASA believes grain quality standards should be international in scope. These standards affect the long-term future of the industry and have a major role in market efficiency, improved quality and competition among sellers.

1.2.02 ASA supports a grading and marketing system that compensates producers for selling clean, high quality soybeans. ASA supports beginning a process to determine if farm program or LDP payments should include a premium/differential for higher quality attributes such as, but not limited to, protein and oil.

1.2.03 ASA supports the following principles as long-term objectives in any revisions or updating of present standards to:

ASA will communicate to the soybean farmers the implications of anticipated or actual changes to grading standards.

1.2.04 ASA recommends that the USDA and soybean producers strive to ensure that quality discounts are justifiable.

1.2.05 ASA encourages a study be undertaken by the appropriate governmental agencies, farmer leaders and industry representatives to determine the need for additional intrinsic testing capabilities, revised procedures, or other controls resulting from the rapid growth in volume and number of differentiated identity preserved marketing’s of enhanced trait soybeans.

1.2.06 ASA encourages the development of a common national and international standard for monitoring of calibrations for all grain analyzing technologies.

1.2.07 ASA supports a grading and marketing system that recognizes the intrinsic quality and value of soybeans and to reward farmers who are capable of producing and marketing soybeans of enhanced value to users.


1.3.00 Trade Policy

1.3.01 ASA supports the removal of foreign barriers to international trade in soybeans, soybean products, as well as livestock products and the prevention of the establishment by other nations of barriers to the importation and consumption of U.S. soybeans, soybean products, as well as livestock products. 

1.3.02 ASA strongly encourages maintaining the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). 

1.3.03 ASA strongly opposes the imposition of restrictions on the export of any and all agricultural commodities, including soybeans and soybean products, whether it is for supply, national security, or foreign policy reasons. Any embargo, sanction, or other restriction on exports of U.S. agricultural commodities for national security or foreign policy reasons shall require a formal determination by the President and Congress that such action is supported and joined by all other major world producers and exporters of affected commodities. Any action would terminate unless the President re-certifies this determination on an annual basis. Contract sanctity should be guaranteed for all foreign purchasers of U.S. agricultural commodities. ASA calls on the President and Congress to revise legislation that exempts sales of U.S. agricultural products from economic sanctions so that normal commercial credit can be offered by U.S. entities. ASA shall increase its efforts to inform U.S. soybean producers and consumers as to the scope and the ramifications of above said sanctions on U.S. farmers.

1.3.04 ASA favors the immediate removal of agricultural trade restrictions for Cuba and Cuban eligibility for Foreign Market Development (FMD), Market Access Programs (MAP) and GSM and other credit programs. 

1.3.05 ASA opposes the establishment of restrictions by the United States on the importation of fairly traded goods that may precipitate retaliation against the export of U.S. soybeans and soybean products by other nations or which would economically burden U.S. soybean farmers.

1.3.06 ASA strongly supports achievement of a Level Playing Field (LPF) trading basis for oilseeds, oilseed products and plant-based oil and products in future negotiations. The LPF approach is a multilateral phase-out of all trade distorting export subsidies, including differential export taxes, and all tariff and non-tariff barriers to oilseeds, oilseeds product and plant-based oil and product imports.

1.3.07 The Blair House Agreement (BHA) sets a WTO-bound limit on subsidized oilseed production in the EU, and ASA insists on strict enforcement of the EU’s commitments. The U.S. has the reasonable expectation that (a) the subsidized area planted to oilseeds will not exceed the BHA level of about 4.9 million hectares plus the BHA-consistent area of new EU members and (b) oilseed production on set aside for industrial use will not exceed 1 million tons on a soybean meal equivalent basis. As the EU implements changes in its agricultural policies and implements new “energy crop” payments to encourage the growing of energy crops, including oilseeds, the U.S. Government must insist that the EU be in compliance with its obligations. The U.S. must insist that the EU policies, including single-form payments, energy crop payments, and biodiesel tax incentives, do not nullify or impair the zero-tariff binding for oilseeds the EU granted the U.S. in previous trade negotiations. 

1.3.08 ASA insists that the Federal government ensure the countries that sign the WTO Agreement and Free Trade Agreements adhere to their intent. 

1.3.09 ASA insists the office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) adhere to commitments made by the Administration to ASA preceding Senate ratification of WTO. These commitments include promoting domestic markets for soybean products. 

1.3.10 ASA insists USDA, the U.S. Trade Representative and any other relevant agencies should be more aggressive in investigations and pursuing complaints against countries whose tariff structure and/or non-tariff barriers may violate said countries WTO and FTA obligations. 

1.3.11 ASA strongly urges the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a WTO complaint against the EU’s discriminatory and non-science based traceability and labeling regulations.

1.3.12 ASA opposes cargo preference requirements that reduce U.S. agricultural exports.

1.3.13 ASA supports comprehensive WTO negotiations as the best means to increase worldwide incomes and reduce trade barriers to soy and livestock products. ASA believes that bilateral or regional Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations should be focused toward those countries that represent significant commercial markets for U.S. soybeans and products, livestock products, and agricultural exports in general.

1.3.14 ASA strongly recommends that the WTO negotiations encompass all sectors as a comprehensive single undertaking. This means that all aspects of the negotiations should be included and implemented simultaneously in order to get the best results for U.S. agriculture. (No early harvest)

1.3.15 ASA supports substantial improvements in market access for soybeans and soybean products, including livestock products, as the top priority of the DOHA Development Round negotiating under the WTO.

1.3.16 ASA believes that the extent to which a new WTO agreement reduces trade-distorting (i.e., “amber box”) domestic support must reflect the extent to which market access is increased in developing and developed countries through reductions in tariffs and other measures.

1.3.17 ASA strongly supports maintaining the “de minimus” exemption of product and non-product specific support from reductions required in trade-distorting domestic programs.

1.3.18 ASA strongly opposes any reduction commitments or caps on “green box” domestic support policies that do not, or only minimally, distort production or trade.

1.3.19 ASA strongly supports establishing a rules-based system for disciplining the use of export credits and similar government supported export financing programs.

1.3.20 ASA strongly supports defining Differential Export taxes as export subsidies that would be subject to discipline and elimination in a Doha Round agreement

1.3.21 ASA opposes including disciplines on food assistance programs in the WTO negotiations.

1.3.22 ASA strongly opposes allowing countries to self-designate as “developing countries” for the purpose of obtaining special and differential treatment under the WTO. ASA supports the establishment of objective criteria for determining if a country is eligible to claim special and differential treatment overall or for certain sectors.

1.3.23 ASA strongly opposes exempting government supported domestic transportation and marketing subsidy programs in developing countries from disciplines under the WTO.

1.3.24 ASA strongly opposes including in the WTO agreement the precautionary principle or other food safety concerns that are not based on sound science that could be used as a justification for restricting market access.

1.3.25 ASA supports increasing funding of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to a level adequate to stabilize the economies of countries that are major markets for U.S. soybean and soybean product exports, providing these countries adopt the necessary fiscal policy to correct the conditions. 

1.3.26 ASA supports trade contracts that protect buyers and sellers, but does not support unrealistic specifications that are designed to be non-tariff trade barriers. 

1.3.27 ASA supports value-added export programs that include U.S. soybeans and soybean products in their production or composition to meet the changing needs of the market.

1.3.28 ASA encourages that resources be utilized within USDA to develop a permanent cadre of veterinarian and plant pathologists to serve as trained negotiators whose sole mission is to resolve sanitary/animal health and phytosanitary trade barriers detrimental to the export of U.S. meat and animal products, and U.S. grains and oilseeds.

1.3.29 ASA encourages the American Oilseed Coalition (AOC) to continue the analysis and development of strategies for trade agreements, including WTO and Free Trade agreements determining how they impact the soybean producer and industry, and to report findings back to state and national soybean organizations on a timely basis.

1.3.30 ASA supports voluntary country of origin labeling.

1.3.31 ASA strongly supports Congressional passage of the Columbia, Peru and Panama Free Trade Agreements. 

1.3.32 ASA strongly opposes any product exclusions from Free Trade Agreements (FTA) on the grounds that they serve as negative precedents for countries seeking to exclude soy or livestock products.

1.3.33 ASA is extremely concerned with the spread of avian flu and with the prospect this disease could become an epidemic in global poultry and human population. ASA urges the Federal Government to take every possible action to prevent and mitigate the impact of avian flu.

1.3.34 ASA insists Congress and the Administration work tirelessly to ensure that any food traceability laws and/or U.S. seed companies and shippers contracts not transfer financial liability onto U.S. producers due to grain shipments containing unapproved GMO grain traits.

1.3.35 ASA urges the soybean industry to work to ensure that financial liability for soybean products containing unintended and unapproved traits in soybeans and products to be appropriated to those parties responsible and in control of their individual actions.

1.3.36 ASA strongly supports the elimination of differential export taxes for oilseeds, oilseed products, and plant-based oil and products.

1.4.00 Assistance to Developing Nations

1.4.01 ASA urges U.S. and multilateral institutions to consider long-term environmental consequences and benefits when allocating funds to developing nations for projects that could result in large-scale land clearing or deforestation. ASA strongly opposes U.S. tax dollars being used by American and multilateral institutions and universities to fund competition for U.S. soybeans and soybean products.

1.4.02 ASA supports U.S. and multilateral development assistance to developing nations aimed at raising per capita disposable income in the developing nations provided such assistance is based on comparative advantage and will not increase the exports of commodities in current or projected surplus supply.

1.4.03 ASA urges the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to continue its policy of not funding programs that promote foreign production resulting in the exports of soybeans and soybean products and would encourage that this policy be extended to crops which compete with soybeans and soybean products. ASA encourages USAID to increase funding of programs that expand international use of soybeans and soybean products and encourages USAID to support ASA in developing and implementing such programs.

1.4.04 ASA supports development of nutrition and devastating disease centers at interested land grant institutions for the purpose of linking opportunities and resources related to improving nutrition in populations suffering from diseases of pandemic and epidemic proportions.

1.4.05 ASA supports the Millennium Challenge Account for developing nations, provided that its efforts are consistent with resolutions 1.4.01 through 1.4.03, and that the administration use U.S. food and agricultural products to help meet development and food security targets set for Millennium Challenge beneficiaries.

1.4.06 ASA supports full funding for the Cochran Program.


1.5.00 Developing Countries Debt

1.5.01 ASA encourages the U.S. government to seek a solution to developing countries debt that does not adversely impact the U.S. soybean industry.
ASA feels the solutions for these countries should include:

1.6.00 Government Export Promotion Programs

1.6.01 Foreign Market Development Cooperator (FMD) Program
ASA strongly supports the FMD Program. Emphasis should be given to the fact that FMD is a cooperative, cost-share program between private industry groups that represent farmers and ranchers and the U.S. Government. ASA urges Congress to fund the FMD Program at a level of not less than $50 million per year.


1.6.02 Market Access Program (MAP)
ASA supports continuation of MAP at a level of not less than $325 million per year.

1.6.03 Export Credit Guarantee Programs
ASA supports continuation of export credit guarantee programs at a minimum funding level of $5.5 billion. ASA urges use of GSM programs to:

1.7.00 Food Aid and International Assistance

1.7.01 The ASA recognizes that the vast majority of the world’s population, and its highest growth rates, are in the developing world. Many of those people suffer from hunger and malnutrition, as well as poverty and low levels of economic development. Food aid plays a critical role in mitigating these conditions; in fact, many of our best export markets were at one time food aid recipients. The ASA and the product we represent, soy, can play a role in strengthening food aid, fortifying diets and achieving the complementary goals of economic development and market growth.

1.7.02 ASA strongly supports uses of food in emergency and development assistance. ASA opposes budgetary reductions in developmental food aid to compensate for emergency shortfalls. ASA supports PL480 programs and total Title II budget at a minimum level of $1.2 billion.

1.7.03 The Administration should commit to the programming of 5.6 million metric tons of food aid per year as the U.S. contribution to significantly reducing hunger by 2015, for an approximate total of $2.85 billion. These resources should be principally for long-term development programs, not devoted to short-term food emergencies. 

1.7.04 ASA strongly supports all supplemental appropriations bills that will fill in gaps in food assistance and will address the following four points:

1.7.05 ASA supports the continued funding for the McGovern- Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program at no less than $100 million, the Food for Progress program at no less than $200 million and supports seeking additional funding from other U.S. and G-8 sources.

1.7.06 ASA urges the Administration to fulfill its $15 billion pledge to the global HIV/AIDS relief as well as incorporate nutrition in its programs. ASA is committed to work on allocating funds and/or food through government food procurement to include soy protein in the diets of people affected by and/or infected with HIV/AIDS. 

1.7.07 ASA is committed to developing relationships with commercial entities in the private sector to address HIV/AIDS and under-nutrition. WISHH will work with U.S. and developing world-based companies to use soy as a supplement to local foods and will reach out to both food processing companies and manufacturing companies with HIV/AIDS programs for their employees abroad. 

1.7.08 ASA commends the Administration for its support of biotechnology and U.S. farmers’ access to this important tool. ASA calls on the USDA and other agencies to minimize the threat of ill-conceived regulations that are hampering trade with the developing countries and even blocking shipments of food aid. Equally, the Administration should maximize the understanding in the developing countries that biotechnology can help address environmental challenges, augment nutrition and improve food security.

1.7.09 ASA strongly recommends that judicious use of soybeans or soybean products in food aid programs should not be precluded automatically by rigid stocks-to-use ratios. A minimum level of soybeans and soybean products should always be available for humanitarian assistance.

1.7.10 ASA opposes a shift towards cash grant humanitarian assistance.

II. DOMESTIC ISSUES AND FARM POLICIES

II. DOMESTIC ISSUES AND FARM POLICIES

2.0.00 Preamble

2.0.01 The American Soybean Association (ASA) supports individual freedom and private initiative through the competitive enterprise system. ASA supports a balanced federal budget. ASA favors reducing the national debt and believes that spending should be fair and equitable across all sectors of the federal budget. ASA stresses the need to increase funding for agricultural research, all conservation efforts, and Federal Crop Insurance. ASA supports measures to prohibit sovereign nations or global entities from setting environmental and/or water quality standards more stringent than federal or state regulations.

2.0.02 ASA supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the official governmental voice of agriculture.

2.0.03 ASA recommends that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) farmer elected county committee system be maintained at the county level, be comprised of elected operators/producers and have more authority on decisions at the local level and that county offices be structured to improve efficiency and provide expedient delivery of services to soybean farmers. 

2.0.04 ASA recommends that all food safety, feed safety and environmental regulations concerning agriculture be coordinated with the USDA.

2.0.05 ASA believes in the need to continue efforts to continue on expanding and promoting markets for identity preserved and specialty soybeans or soybean products. ASA also supports premium structures that reflect the additional costs of identity preservation.

2.0.06 ASA believes input benefits and economic impact on farmers and consumers should be considered in laws and regulations designed to protect endangered species. We favor exempting man-made agricultural structures from the Endangered Species Act.

2.0.07 ASA supports safe food products for our domestic as well as foreign customers. ASA understands that a safe food supply is vital to the people of the U.S. and the world. Therefore, ASA supports the maximum penalty punishable by law for people, persons or groups found guilty of terrorism to any farm commodities, livestock and water supplies that could affect the food supply or the environment. Farmers should be held harmless from liability due to terrorist activities on their operations.

2.0.08 ASA recommends that rural citizens must be adequately represented in all government consolidation discussions and agreements.

2.0.09 ASA supports the concept of tort reform as it relates to claims against agricultural producers.

2.0.10 ASA urges the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) to recognize changing yield trends involved with soybean production projections.

2.0.11 ASA supports a soy-based buying preference for federal, state and local government entities.

2.0.12 ASA recommends farmer representation and participation on all advisory, regulatory and planning boards that affect agriculture at local, state and national levels. 

2.0.13 ASA recommends that the FSA be the primary administrative agency for farm payments in the next farm bill.

2.0.14 ASA supports an adequate legal work force for agriculture production and processing.

2.0.15 ASA is opposed to any local, state or Federal legislation to regulate particulate matter or odor from agriculture operations.


2.1.00 Domestic Market Promotion

2.1.01 ASA recognizes the U.S. as the largest single market for soybeans. ASA places the expansion and maintenance of this market as a high priority.

2.1.02 ASA favors the promotion and use of registered soybean product logos to stimulate consumer awareness, thus encouraging expanded U.S. production, manufacturing and employment.

2.1.03 ASA encourages the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) to work with grain and feed handlers and other industries to use soybean oil to control dust. ASA urges the insurance industry to consider rate reductions for those using soybean oil dust control systems.

2.1.04 ASA favors expanded promotion and encourages research for new uses of soybeans and soybean products.

2.1.05 ASA encourages the expansion of livestock, poultry and aquatic feeding in the U.S. for greater use of U.S. soybean products. ASA is encouraged to work with these industries to improve the public image on the importance of these foods in a balanced diet.

2.1.06 ASA supports the efforts of the U.S. Livestock & Poultry Industries to vigorously oppose any initiatives that would criminalize the use of modern and accepted animal production practices. These and all limitations are spearheaded and funded by animal activist groups as part of a state-by-state campaign that would push animal agriculture production out of the United States. ASA supports fund raising efforts to fund these initiatives and encourages ASA and its members to support these efforts.

2.1.07 The livestock and poultry producers are well aware of the economic and social implications of caring for their animals in a humane way and ASA supports informative public education programs and legislation to protect the producer against those who would jeopardize their rights to maintain their operations.

2.1.08 ASA opposes the inclusion of soybeans in any national or international strategic grain reserves.

2.1.09 ASA asks consideration that cost share dollars that are available to livestock producers for upgrading livestock facilities be made available to all producers who upgrade, replace or expand their operation to make it an environmentally viable entity.

2.1.10 ASA supports expansion of the domestic aquaculture industry, including offshore aquaculture, to increase food security, create jobs, and reduce the negative trade balance in aquaculture. ASA also encourages Federal Funding for research that would optimize the use of soybean protein and oil in soy aquaculture feed.

2.1.11 ASA supports clear, consistent and reasonable science based regulations and processes that are needed for the livestock industry to remain viable and profitable.


2.2.00 Competition Policy

2.2.01 ASA urges redefining the enforcement rules of antitrust laws and the Agricultural Fair Practices Act to fairly protect the economic interests of America’s farmers that may be affected by vertical integration and consolidation and supports strengthening the Act.

2.2.02 ASA supports the following changes to antitrust statutes and regulations that will further protect the sellers of commodities from anti-competitive behavior:

2.2.03 ASA urges Congress to revisit our antitrust laws that need to be brought up to date with scientific and business developments due to ongoing consolidations of seed and chemical companies.

2.2.04 ASA opposes mergers or acquisitions which would tend to create a monopoly of production, production inputs and/or marketing of soybeans and products or otherwise reduce competition and/or increase production costs that would lead to lower income opportunities for soybean farmers.


2.3.00 Contract Production

2.3.01 ASA recognizes that contract production is a factor in poultry and hogs, the two largest users of soybean meal. As specialty and designer soybeans become a larger share of the soybeans we grow, contracting has the potential to increase in soybean farming. Therefore, ASA supports:|

ASA opposes confidentiality clauses and arbitration as the only remedy in case of a dispute.

2.3.02 ASA advocates production contracts that allow for producers’ liability to end when the first purchaser accepts the product. 

2.3.03 ASA recommends that farmers work together in cooperative ventures for market access in a vertically integrating market environment. 

2.4.00 Soybean Policy

2.4.01 ASA will support a soybean program that:

2.4.02 ASA opposes Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan origination fees. The CCC should not assess check-off fees on soybeans under loan unless they are forfeited to the CCC.

2.4.03 ASA should work closely with USDA and the U.S. Congress to ensure that producers of soybeans are treated equitably in the development and implementation of federal disaster and low price assistance programs. 

2.4.04 ASA is opposed to a uniform national LDP rate.

2.4.05 ASA urges the Administration, the Federal Reserve and Congress to determine and address the detrimental effects of international currency exchange rates on U.S. soybean competitiveness.

2.4.06 ASA supports non-recourse marketing loans.

2.4.07 ASA supports allowing producers who have had a county disaster declaration the option to delete those year(s) from their payment yield determinations.

2.4.08 ASA supports amending the restriction on planting fruits and vegetables on program crop base acres to preserve base history on acres planted to these crops while not being eligible for direct and counter-cyclical payments, except under the current exemption.

2.4.09 ASA fully supports maintaining the current funding baseline for agriculture for the 2007 Farm Bill.

2.4.10 ASA supports consideration of programs for the 2007 Farm Bill that does not distort planting decisions.

2.4.11 ASA supports consideration of programs for the 2007 Farm Bill which are WTO compliant.

2.4.12 ASA supports the basic structure of the 2002 Farm Bill but believes that target prices should be adjusted to a minimum of 130% of the 2000-2004 Olympic average market prices, and loan rates should be adjusted to a minimum of 95% of 2000-2004 Olympic average prices. ASA supports increased baseline funding for the 2007 Farm Bill.


2.5.00 Farm Program Payments

2.5.01 ASA opposes limitations which impose means testing on Federal farm payments and loans made to U.S. farmers. ASA supports provisions that would prevent restricting eligibility for marketing loan gains or LDP’s.

2.5.02 ASA supports full funding of income support payments provided under farm legislation. 

2.5.03 ASA supports fair and equitable price determinations for LDP payments.

2.5.04 ASA supports soybeans grown for non-traditional uses being eligible for any payments for which commodity soybeans are eligible.

2.5.05 ASA supports the three-entity rule.

2.5.06 ASA opposes any effort to reduce agriculture spending or to reopen the 2002 Farm Bill.

2.5.07 ASA supports payment limits as written in the 2002 Farm Bill.


2.6.00 USDA Budget Accounting

2.6.01 ASA favors farm program costs to be accurately expressed as net costs rather than total costs in the federal budget.

2.6.02 ASA encourages Congressional review of budget forecasting by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and, if appropriate, supports legislation to establish oversight.


2.7.00 Transportation
ASA supports the Soy Transportation Coalition efforts to address transportation issues affecting the marketing and transport of oilseeds, grains, and their products.

2.7.01 Water

2.7.01.1 ASA urges the Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), other agencies, and private industry to ensure an infrastructure allowing U.S. soybeans to be delivered to domestic and international markets in a timely and cost-effective manner.

2.7.01.2 ASA believes a comprehensive study should be made of our current U.S. transportation infrastructure and capacity. This study should determine if the U.S. has the ability to meet the needs of increased production for export and commercial needs in order for the U.S. to be a more competitive supplier of agricultural commodities in the world.

2.7.01.3 ASA supports maintenance and improvements of the U.S. waterway and navigation systems and that ASA be actively involved with other groups to improve the Mississippi Waterway System.

2.7.01.4 ASA believes that monies deposited into the Inland Waterways Trust Fund should be used for new construction and major rehabilitation of navigation infrastructure.

2.7.01.5 ASA urges the Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other responsible agencies to expedite the process of rebuilding and reconstructing flood control structures. ASA opposes proposed Master Water Control Manuals that would cause seasonal flooding or restricted barge traffic on the nation's waterways. ASA opposes any diversion of river flows that would adversely impact barge transportation.

2.7.01.6 ASA urges Congress to adopt adequate legislation to prevent dock strikes that interrupt the flow of soybeans and other farm commodities to our overseas customers.

2.7.01.7 ASA supports pre-engineering design and construction of Locks and Dams 20-25 on the Upper Mississippi and the locks located at Peoria and LaGrange on the Illinois River in the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

2.7.01.8 ASA supports the further development of West Coast Shipping of Midwest soybeans and soy products.

2.7.01.9 The Jones Act should be amended so as to allow the shipment on the lowest cost vessels of U.S. agricultural commodities from one U.S. port to another. ASA also supports an exemption for bulk agricultural commodities from the Jones Act. 


2.7.02 Railroad

2.7.02.1 ASA supports legislative efforts to promote increased competition in the rail industry to foster better service and lower rates.

2.7.02.2 ASA supports the (Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern) Railroad DM&E modernization and expansion project in the North Central states. In addition, ASA supports railroad modernization and expansion improvements particularly to the Southeastern states, where imported soybeans and soybean products may have a price advantage over domestically grown soybeans because of transportation issues that disadvantage domestically grown soybeans.

2.7.02.3 ASA requests the federal government to immediately and actively encourage segments of rail, grain, and agriculture to improve the infrastructure in transporting agriculture commodities to supply deficit areas of the United States.

2.7.02.4 ASA supports strong state and federal assistance in maintaining low volume rail facilities in rural areas of the country.

2.7.02.5 ASA encourages alternative access for farmers in the event of railroad grade closings during railroad development.


2.7.03 Highways & Roads

2.7.03.1 ASA supports uniform truck weights and lengths for all primary highways and interstate roads in the United States. ASA opposes states or local municipalities enacting lower weight limits on primary roads going through their jurisdiction without providing alternative routes.

2.7.03.2 ASA opposes any new labeling of soy oil so as to restrict its current transportation status.


2.8.00 Edible Oil Content Labeling

2.8.01 ASA will cooperate with all interested parties in educating consumers about the health benefits of soybean oil.

2.8.02 ASA supports exempting refined vegetable oil from any domestic or international labeling requirement based on allergenicity or hypersensitivity.

2.8.03 ASA opposes the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) edible oil labeling rule that permits a label to contain an optional listing of vegetable oils. Consumers should be provided with clear, exact and forthright information on the type and amount of vegetable oil that the product contains.


2.9.00 Soy Foods

2.10.01 ASA opposes state and federal laws, tariffs and regulations that discriminate against the use of soy oil or protein in foods. 

2.9.02 ASA supports the incorporation of soy protein in foods and beverages commonly consumed by consumers, including foods used in federal nutrition programs.

2.9.03 ASA encourages producers to select high protein and oil varieties and encourages purchasers to pay a premium for the production of those varieties. 

2.9.04 ASA supports the reimbursable option for fortified soymilk in Federal child nutrition programs, including the national school lunch and breakfast programs.


2.10.00 Crop Insurance

2.10.01 The availability of crop insurance should not be tied to specific environmental issues or cultural practices.

2.10.02 ASA supports Crop Insurance Program reform that eliminates inadequacies of the current program for specific crops and regions. Subsidies should be increased at the higher levels of coverage to ensure that all producers can obtain affordable coverage for 85% of their crop based on actual historical yield. A more accurate and equitable rating system, responsive to multiyear disasters, and recognition of producer history must be integral components of program reform. Understanding that crop insurance is a valuable risk management tool, ASA supports policy that broadens the base of risk management tools, subsidized or otherwise. ASA also supports expanded development of Revenue Assurance or Income Protection programs to insure that all producers can manage production and price risk at an affordable cost.

2.10.03 ASA urges the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to establish a representative farmer advisory committee (on Federal and State levels) to provide input into the process of revision, and promptly evaluate new and modern farming methods for inclusion for coverage.

2.10.04 ASA should work towards the following changes being made to the crop insurance program.

2.10.05 ASA should work to change the federal crop insurance regulations so that once a farmer has filed a claim and, while that claim is outstanding, the insurance company cannot charge late fees or interest to the farmer’s account for any outstanding premium due for the crop the claim has been filed on.

2.10.06 ASA supports the use of federal crop insurance records and/or production evidence from three similar surrounding farms as an acceptable form of proving yields for federal farm programs.

2.10.07 ASA recommends that the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) policy ensure the recovery of actual costs involved in producing a crop.

2.10.08 ASA supports efforts of states or regions that double-crop soybeans to compile the production and yield data necessary to allow FSA and RMA to adjust final planting dates without penalty on a sound actuarial basis.


2.11.00 Equity Protection of Grain

2.11.01 ASA should work with the USDA, other organizations and governmental agencies at the state and federal level to develop adequate protection for farmer's soybean equity in the event of grain warehouse or dealer failure.

2.11.02 ASA opposes any Federal warehouse dealer regulation that will supercede State licensing and warehouse regulations when it offers less protection for farmers.

2.11.03 ASA believes in a grain warehouse regulation where producers are provided a receipt to prove ownership upon delivery of grain, whether the grain is sold immediately or is delivered for storage.


2.12.00 Soybean Trading

2.12.01 ASA should work closely with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) to ensure that the system works fairly for all traders. ASA supports the public outcry trading system at the CBOT, but also encourages worldwide electronic trading on the Board of Trade and the Mercantile Exchanges.

2.12.02 ASA opposes any merger of the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the transfer of any futures regulations to any agency other than CFTC.

2.12.03 ASA supports the CFTC in its ongoing efforts to implement an instantaneous, verifiable audit system for commodity futures trading.

2.12.04 ASA opposes federal regulation of margin levels for futures contracts and on options contracts. ASA opposes transaction fees on commodity trading which will inhibit the trading of soybeans and soybean products. ASA should actively oppose efforts by commodity exchanges to institute a direct fee for time delayed price quotes delivered by electronic price delivery systems. Free exchange of price information is critical to efficient market performance for both buyers and sellers.

2.12.05 ASA believes any futures or options transactions that offset a current or anticipated cash commodity position and reduces price or basis risk, should be considered a hedging position and not speculating. Gain or loss from a hedging or option position should be considered by the IRS as ordinary gain or loss for either personal or corporate tax returns.


2.13.00 Farm Continuation

2.13.01 ASA encourages more funding and quicker distribution of funds for beginning farmers through FSA Direct Loan Program, special young farmer loans, Farm Credit Associations and other sources. The percentage of residence allowance for beginning farmer loans should be raised from 5% to 20%.

2.13.02 ASA supports efforts that would allow proceeds from the sale of qualified farm assets to be treated as an individual farmer retirement account for tax purposes.

2.13.03 ASA favors reduction of estate tax for small businesses, with continuation of stepped up basis, including spousal exemptions of $5 million each. 

2.13.04 ASA favors implementation of $500,000 in lifetime tax credits for sale of used farm equipment.

2.13.05 ASA supports equitable treatment to the self-employed regarding health insurance premiums under any new healthcare legislation

2.13.06 ASA supports maintaining the current three-year income averaging programs for agricultural producers, including family farm corporations.

2.13.07 ASA supports an increase in the maximum gift tax exemption and is opposed to the application of the Alternative Minimum Tax on Schedule F.

2.13.08 ASA urges that an individual who rents land or equipment to a family farm corporation, partnership, Limited Liability Corporation or any other farming entity not be subject to self-employment tax on rental income.

2.13.09 ASA supports a change in the U.S. tax code to allow tax deductibility for permanent conservation practices to landowners that cash rent their land.

2.13.10 ASA opposes double taxation when dissolving corporations.

2.13.11 ASA supports the proposed expansion of the tax exclusion to the sale of residences to include up to $500,000 value of farm real estate, not just residential property.

2.13.12 ASA supports a federal tax credit for farmers’ investment in value-added agricultural ventures. ASA encourages federal support to provide technical assistance to commercialize value-added products as well as business structure assistance for farmer-owned value-added companies. ASA supports a federal tax credit for farmer’s investment in value-added agricultural processing ventures.

2.13.13 ASA supports extending the time period allowed for reinvestment of capital gains from 45 days to 12 months.

2.13.14 ASA supports modifications of Section 1031 of the U.S. Tax Code to minimize non-agricultural inflation factors on rural land values.

2.13.15 ASA supports the full deductibility of health insurance premiums to the self-employed and supports equitable treatment for self-employed people under any new health care legislation.

2.13.16 ASA supports enactment of Federal legislation that would help to lower the cost of Group Health Insurance plans by allowing participation in the Group regardless of state of residence.


2.14.00 Renewable Fuels

2.14.01 ASA supports the development of educational and information programs specifically designed to provide energy conservation, energy management, renewable resources, environmental, and scientifically sound information to consumers.

2.14.02 ASA encourages state soybean associations and all biodiesel stakeholders to enhance the long-term position of biodiesel as renewable fuel and energy source through all communications and marketing efforts.

2.14.03 ASA supports the continued testing and promotion of biofuels made with soybean oil to help bring biodiesel fuel to the marketplace. 

2.14.04 ASA urges state associations to work with state officials to:

2.14.05 ASA supports and endorses the inclusion of soybeans and soybean-based product applications and blends of such products in the development and implementation of any potential alternative and/or renewable fuel policy programs. ASA also supports the ASTM designation of D6751 as the quality standard for commercial sales of biodiesel.

2.14.06 ASA supports the development of state and federal legislation that promotes biodiesel and biodiesel blends by utilizing:

2.14.07 ASA strongly urges that all diesel fuel and diesel-powered vehicles use a biodiesel fuel or a biodiesel blend.

2.14.08 ASA favors continued rebate of Federal and State fuel taxes on fuels used in non-highway uses. 

2.14.09 ASA urges the Department of Transportation (DOT) to use Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program funds to buy down the cost of biodiesel used in federal, state, and municipal fleets.

2.14.10 ASA recommends the buy down cost of purchasing biodiesel should be an allowable expenditure in all-Federal transportation funding and grant programs.

2.14.11 ASA continues to support preferential energy allocation for agricultural production and marketing during times of critical energy shortages. 

2.14.12 ASA opposes the sale, transfer or other disposal of the federal power marketing administrations, as well as, any regulatory or legislative measures that would increase the costs of electricity or impose other artificial cost burdens onto the rates U.S. farmers must now pay for electrical energy.

2.14.13 ASA encourages fuel stations across the nation to start carrying biodiesel at the pumps and to encourage all fuel suppliers to handle biodiesel to enhance our nation’s energy security, improve our air quality and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

2.14.14 ASA strongly recommends continued national education and research in the use of soy oil and other alternative sources of energy from renewable agricultural products. ASA supports the reauthorization and funding of the Biodiesel Education Program in the 2007 Farm Bill at $2 million dollars.

2.14.15 ASA supports legislation requiring producers and distributors of biodiesel products and additives to clearly label the minimum percentage of biodiesel contained by volume in fuels and commercially marketed products.

2.14.16 ASA supports elimination of the 50% cap on biodiesel usage for compliance in the Energy Policy Act (EPACT). ASA also supports banking and trading of biodiesel credits in the EPACT program.

2.14.17 ASA is opposed to the concept of an energy tax and/or users fee when agriculture is forced to bear a disproportionate share of these costs.

2.14.18 ASA supports and promotes the use of agricultural residues for the production of bio-based methanol for the use in biodiesel production, and to seek local, state and national funding for its promotion and research.

2.14.19 ASA urges that the benefits of the Federal biodiesel tax credit are captured by the end user.

2.14.20 ASA supports permanent extension of the biodiesel tax incentive at the existing levels of $1.00 for agri-biodiesel and $0.50 for biodiesel.

2.14.21 ASA supports the use of biodiesel as a renewable fuel for electrical generation purposes.

2.14.22 ASA supports authorization of a biodiesel incentive program in the 2007 Farm Bill to provide CCC payments to domestic biodiesel producers to offset subsidized foreign biodiesel imports.

2.14.23 ASA supports Federal and state requirements at a 2% or higher biodiesel blended fuels. Attention should be given to the labeling recommendations established by the National Council Weights and Measures and the National Biodiesel Board.

2.14.24 ASA supports advancing Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) that reflect the expansion of the renewable fuels industry for biodiesel and ethanol.

2.14.25 ASA supports labeling at the fuel pump when biodiesel that is above 5% and that 2% biodiesel be the minimum content required before a mixture can be sold as biodiesel blend.

2.14.26 ASA supports the U.S. production of biodiesel fuel using domestic feedstocks.

2.14.27 ASA supports legislation to impose a secondary tariff equal to the agri-biodiesel tax incentive for imported biodiesel.

2.14.28 ASA encourages the National Biodiesel Board to work aggressively with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) to clarify engine warranty policy in the favor of the use of all biodiesel blends at a minimum of including B20 (20% biodiesel). 

2.14.29 ASA recognizes the immense role that agriculture can play in meeting our nation’s energy needs. ASA endorses the goal of securing 25% of the U.S. energy supply from America’s farms, forests and rangeland by the Year 2025. The benefits to the environment, fuel security and the economic stimulus for rural areas justify the sizable investment in a new energy future. ASA supports the 25 x 25 initiative.

2.14.30 ASA supports states pursuing state legislation for biodiesel requirement mandates from B2 to B5.

2.14.31 ASA supports restricting feedstocks eligible for the agri-biodiesel tax incentive to the list of feedstock oils on the JOBS bill.

2.14.32 ASA supports continued development and widespread usage of Biodiesel and Ethanol that meet ASTM standards.

2.14.33 ASA supports the strict interpretation of renewable diesel as defined in the Energy Act of 2005. ASA opposes current efforts to allow a new definition of the petroleum refining process as thermal depolamorization thus allowing the petroleum industry the opportunity to collect a $1.00 per gallon tax incentive for refining vegetable oils and animal fats into diesel fuel.

2.14.34 ASA supports the establishment of national fuel quality testing centers.

2.14.35 ASA supports the development of technologies to produce additional renewable energy products from soybeans and soybean products (including but not limited to cellulosic ethanol, soymeal derived ethanol or bio-butanol, and hydrogen from soybean sources).

2.14.36 ASA encourages the development and usage of technologies addressing cold flow properties in the production of soy biodiesel.


2.15.00 Property Rights

2.15.01 ASA endorses private property rights as set forth in the United States Constitution. ASA believes that farmers should be adequately compensated for loss in property value or income due to unsubstantiated land claims, environmental regulations such as endangered species, wetlands and other government regulations. We also support a strong “Right To Farm” law.

2.15.02 As government agencies develop flood control projects, it is vitally important that any damages caused by the project to surrounding property owners be fairly compensated before public funds are made available for such projects.

2.15.03 ASA realizes that production data such as field maps, soil tests, production records, and input records have monetary value. ASA believes this information gathered by GPS, GIS, or other precision farming practices remain the sole property of the owner and/or operator, or their agent, based on their respective investment. This information should not be used, released or sold without consent.

2.15.04 ASA opposes condemnation or mandatory restrictions that postpone or restrict the property rights of landowners without just compensation. ASA opposes the condemnation of land for recreation purposes such as trails, parks, wildlife areas and wetlands, and for purposes of economic development. ASA also supports a process that provides reasonable advanced warning of right-of-way encroachment.

2.15.05 ASA strongly urges voluntary and practical programs for buying land development rights in order to preserve the land as green space or for farming.

2.15.06 ASA supports not holding landowners responsible for costs associated with unlawful acts committed by others on a landowner’s property.

2.15.07 ASA supports the study of carbon credits for agriculture. A standard should be set as to the value of sequestered carbon.

2.15.08 ASA supports limiting the use of the power of Eminent Domain.

2.15.09 ASA opposes NRCS use of the wetland determination process as a deterrent to improvements to drainage systems, which may produce water quality and crop production benefits.

2.15.10 ASA supports the requirement that all public entities maintain their drainage ditches at the proper designed depth.

2.15.11 ASA supports restrictions on the ability of municipal governments to encroach or infringe on agricultural land unless the farmer is fairly compensated for the municipal encroachment.


2.16.00 Financing

2.16.01 ASA supports the participation of all types of lenders to provide businesses with loans or other financial arrangements to add value and find new uses for agricultural commodities.

2.16.02 ASA will support the Farm Credit Service (FCS) as a farmer-owned and controlled financial cooperative to meet the needs of agriculture.

2.16.03 ASA opposes any restructuring of FCS that replaces farmer-elected members of FCS Boards with commercial bankers or expands bank access to FCS funding.

2.16.04 ASA believes the Farm Service Agency (FSA) should have the ability to make sufficient direct loans and loan guarantees to meet producer requirements for operating funds that are not being met by other farm lending institutions.

2.16.05 ASA supports adequate funding for FSA credit programs including:

2.16.06 ASA supports the concept of establishing a $200 million fund for grants to develop, establish and assist in the capitalization of producer equity in the food chain. The goal is to create the opportunity for all agricultural producers to gain a greater share of the consumer food dollar.

2.16.07 ASA supports a farm financial and production standards system. ASA encourages state and national government risk management and agricultural agencies to provide funding for a pilot program, which would include training materials, educational programs, and demonstrations to test the farm financial, and production standard.

2.16.08 ASA supports eliminating the exit provision contained in the Farm Credit Act.

2.16.09 ASA supports the USDA’s Grain Bin loan program be modified to extend loan payoff’s from seven years to 15-20 years and that USDA no longer requires a first mortgage on grain storage facility loans. ASA supports suppliers changing the loan cap from $100,000 to 3-years of personal APH history minus current storage already owned.

2.16.10 ASA supports the creation of a Commodity Quality Incentive program (CQIP) and a Healthy Oil incentive that would pay producers an incentive payment to facilitate the introduction of traits that have a value to society as a whole greater than the value chain can initially support.


2.17.00 Industrial Uses of Soybeans

2.17.01 ASA supports incentives for private companies who utilize biobased products in their operations.

2.17.02 ASA urges all private and governmental agencies to continue to develop, promote and use products made with soybeans, including biodiesel, fuel additives, soy soap stock for dust control, soy ink and soy-based industrial lubricants and all other industrial uses of soybeans and soybean products.

2.17.03 ASA recommends that government and industry work together to develop the controls necessary to ensure that non-food/non-feed soybeans are kept identity-preserved and segregated from food and feed grade soybeans.


2.18.00 Biotechnology

2.18.01 ASA strongly supports biotechnology and believes the development of biotechnology-enhanced crop varieties and products will benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. ASA believes biotechnology is a key tool that will help us meet growing world food, health and energy needs.

2.18.02 ASA strongly supports efforts to achieve global acceptance of harmonized standards for trade in biotechnology-enhanced crops and products, or Mutual Recognition Agreements for national biotechnology standards. ASA encourages the use by industry of the term “biotechnology-enhanced products”.

2.18.03 ASA strongly supports the development and commercialization in the U.S. marketplace of new biotech soybean products that will enhance the profitability of U.S. soybean farmers and to make soybeans a more competitive cropping choice for farmers, and enhance the ability of U.S. soybean farmers to compete in both domestic and international markets.

2.18.04 ASA supports expansion of controlled identity preserved systems that meet ASA’s Identity Preserved guidelines for internationally unapproved biotech and specialty varieties while continuing to provide customers with the products they desire and support the development, production and promotion of biotech crops that are acceptable to domestic and foreign consumers.

2.18.05 ASA recommends that U.S. farmers have equal access to biotechnology-enhanced products in the world marketplace.

2.18.06 ASA supports mandatory review and approval of all biotechnology-enhanced crops by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and supports policy that assures that proper marketing protocols are developed and implemented so that germplasm or varieties approved for specific, non-generic use do not enter the commodity soybean market.

2.18.07 ASA believes producers should not be held liable for damages resulting from biotechnology-enhanced product use, when recommended practices and procedures are followed.

2.18.08 For those customers who desire them, ASA supports development of a voluntary certification and/or labeling system domestically and internationally for non-biotechnology-enhanced crops and organically grown crops or products.

2.18.09 ASA recommends that life science companies should develop tests that can be used to efficiently detect the presence of a new biotechnology event before that event is commercialized. ASA supports the development of a review process that will result in standardized tests and methodology for detecting biotechnology-enhanced products within the soy food chain.

2.18.10 ASA believes that regulations governing biotechnology-enhanced products be based on peer-reviewed science.

2.18.11 ASA supports the communication of the benefits and implications of new biotechnology-enhanced soybeans as they enter the marketplace.

2.18.12 ASA believes that identity-preserved (IP) crops are valued-added products and should be included in federal programs for grants, loans, export programs and incentives at USDA and other agencies.

2.18.13 ASA encourages equipment manufacturers to give greater consideration to ease of clean-out in equipment design. 


2.19.00 Telecommunications

2.19.01 ASA believes that universal access to the Internet is important to the quality of life in rural America and to strong and competitive farming operations. Therefore, we urge the Federal and State governments to develop programs that will encourage private businesses and cooperatives to bring quality high-speed access to farms at affordable rates.

2.19.02 ASA supports a dependable public GPS differential correction signal that should be available to all producers.

2.19.03 ASA encourages the continued development and expansion of cellular networks to adequately address the needs of rural regions of the United States.


2.20.00 Soybean Rust

2.20.01 ASA strongly urges APHIS to take all appropriate precautions to protect domestic soybean production from the spread of soybean rust. Importation of whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean seed from countries with soybean rust infestation must be subject to science-based regulations as determined and implemented by APHIS.

2.20.02 ASA strongly urges increased Federal funding for soybean rust research, including the identification of rust resistance and tolerance traits through genome mapping and data management.

2.20.03 ASA strongly urges the EPA to complete review and to approve Section 18 emergency use requests for fungicides that are effective in treating soybean rust. ASA encourages crop protection companies and the Federal Government to facilitate the availability of products in the event of need, particularly those deemed effective on soybean rust. 

2.20.04 ASA supports Homeland Security Presidential Directive, HSPD-9 with a stated purpose to establish a national policy to defend U.S. agriculture and food systems against terrorist attacks and major disasters including the spread of soybean rust.

2.20.05 ASA supports the continuation and funding of a national strategy that will monitor and communicate the detection and latest information regarding domestic occurrences and treatment of soybean rust including, but not limited to the following issues:

2.20.06 ASA supports that all existing farm programs including federal crop insurance and/or marketing loan programs, so that the economic interests of soybean farmers whose yields and profitability may be impacted Asian soybean rust are adequately protected.

III. RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

3.0.00 Preamble

3.0.01 The American Soybean Association (ASA) is a leader in promoting the research, education and natural resource priorities and needs of the soybean industry.

3.1.00 Research, Extension and Education Priorities

3.1.01 Rapid improvement of yields should be the top priority of soybean research and outreach.

3.1.02 ASA should place major emphasis on research to increase competitiveness of U.S. soybean farmers, expand consumer use of soybean products, reduce production costs; improve profitability of soybean production and position U.S. soybeans and soy products as the preferred source.

3.1.03 ASA believes more research on soybean composition should focus on the enhancement of industrial applications, health and nutrition benefits, animal nutrition and production for both domestic and foreign customers.

3.1.04 Production research should be directed towards enabling U.S. farmers to be the most efficient and profitable soybean producers in the world. Production-oriented research should be continued in areas such as: 

3.1.05 Genomic and varietal development should emphasize soybean yield and improving market-driven attributes of soybeans. Recognizing that soybean production requires unique cultural practices, efforts should be made to develop new equipment and innovative techniques which will allow soybeans to continue to be grown economically in an environmentally sound, soil and water conserving manner. ASA encourages more research by public and private interests to develop best management practices and economical crop protection products that maximize environmental safeguards. ASA encourages expanded efforts in market oriented education programs for soybean producers.

3.1.06 ASA encourages the development of a standard formula that includes uniform non-stress germination tests, as well as stress tests.

3.1.07 ASA supports full funding for the National Plant Germplasm System of the Agricultural Research Service of USDA. 

3.1.08 ASA demands accurate seed labeling for genetic purity to give producers knowledge of possible biotech seed in a non-biotech variety.

3.1.09 ASA strongly encourages all seed companies to enter their varieties in independent university variety trials. 

3.1.10 ASA recognizes the need for reasonable seed tolerance levels that allow for less restrictive movement of seed within international trade. ASA believes that such tolerances, however, must be linked directly with accompanying tolerances for the resulting commodity products.

3.1.11 ASA supports conventional research & development of soybean varieties that are important to agriculture to provide the biodiversity and a widest availability of varieties & traits. ASA encourages private and public soybean breeders to continue the development of conventional soybean varieties and to make them available to soybean producers. Conventional plant breeding and germplasm accessibility must be maintained.

3.1.12 ASA supports the efforts of the National Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) and state councils intended to promote research funding for food and agriculture initiatives.

3.1.13 ASA recommends increased base funding for USDA’s research programs, Land-Grant University research programs and Extension programs.

3.1.14 ASA supports the protection for the U.S. soybean industry from both bio-terrorism and naturally occurring pests and pathogens by providing adequate funding for the continued efforts by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of USDA.

3.1.15 ASA encourages soybean producers to select seed genetics based on high quality, high yielding protein and oil content. ASA also encourages soybean seed companies to include estimated protein and oil content on a 13% moisture basis in their sales literature.

3.1.16 ASA urges states to coordinate plans for new utilization research centers through existing national experiment station forums to reduce unnecessary duplication and to maximize results. ASA urges that these centers establish industry advisory panels to assist in assessing needs, determining priorities and evaluating market potentials.

3.1.17 Due to the importance of seed population, ASA recommends labeling on all soybean seed containers to include the number of seeds per pound.


3.2.00 Coordinating and Funding Research, Extension and Education

3.2.01 ASA should continue to lead in coordinating, soliciting, prioritizing and allocating funds for soybean utilization and production research projects. ASA supports increased public and private research through coordinated efforts and funding by government, commodity organizations, universities and private industry.

3.2.02 ASA supports the appropriation of more state and federal research dollars for the land-grant colleges and universities in order to retain soybean production and improve profits and competitiveness and these funds be used exclusively for that purpose and not policy advocacy.

3.2.03 Soybean research receives less federal investment than other major row crops; therefore, ASA supports strategic increases in federal investment in USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) programs that will benefit soybean producers.

3.2.04 ASA encourages state-supported soybean research, extension and education programs. ASA supports regional approaches to research and education programs directed at addressing needs and attaining goals.

3.2.05 ASA encourages state soybean organizations to use technical advisory panels for soybean research proposal evaluation.

3.2.06 ASA encourages USDA and state experiment station administrators to fully staff soybean research projects.

3.2.07 ASA urges that soybean re