On July 13, the American Soybean Association (ASA) held its annual Soybean Legislative Forum at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. Monsanto sponsored the Legislative Forum. ASA President Rob Joslin welcomed about 200 participants that included ASA Board members and staff, state affiliate Presidents, Board members and staff, representatives of the 2010 Young Leaders sponsored by Pioneer, growers who were sponsored by specific National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) companies, and members of the media.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) kicked off the agenda by providing an Outlook for Senate Action in 2010. Ambassador William Garvelink, U.S. Government Deputy Coordinator for Development, Feed the Future, presented Opportunities in Feeding the Future and how the U.S. ag industry can help reduce hunger in developing countries. Following Garvelink, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Jim Miller spoke about Farm Bill Implementation and Trade Issues. Then Kent Holt, Senior Manager of Industry Affairs at Solae, spoke about the Dietary Guidelines Changes and Initiatives.

During lunch, the Keynote Speaker was Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE), who provided Perspectives on Senate Action in 2010, speaking about the biodiesel tax incentive and pending free trade agreements. During the afternoon program, USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan spoke to participants about sustainability, biotech, and the Know Your Farmer Know Your Food initiative. Charlie Arnot, Director, Center for Food Integrity, Monsanto, followed with a presentation on Building Consumer Trust in Today’s Farmer. ASA Washington staff wrapped up the Forum with an update on ASA Policy Objectives in preparation for Wednesday, when farmer-leaders and staff made Hill visits during the day, and in the evening participated in ASA’s Annual Congressional Reception sponsored by NOPA.