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Feb 09, 2007
Soybean Growers Call for Competitive Income Supports, Biodiesel Incentive Payment
The American Soybean Association (ASA) today announced its proposals for Congressional consideration during debate on the 2007 Farm Bill. The proposals follow a year-long process during which ASA collected grower input and developed economic analysis of various farm policies.
"The new Farm Bill allows policymakers to correct major inequities in price and income support levels that exist under the 2002 Farm Bill," said ASA President Rick Ostlie, a soybean grower from Northwood, North Dakota. "While soybean farmers are familiar and comfortable with the structure of farm programs under the 2002 Farm Bill, they are concerned that current support levels don’t provide an equitable safety net for soybean production. We also want make sure the Farm Bill assures the continued growth of the emerging biodiesel industry, provides effective conservation practices on working lands, and continues strong support for soybean research and export promotion."
The ASA President noted that "the Administration Farm Bill proposal increases spending under the direct payment program. We would prefer to see any additional funds used to level the playing field by setting more equitable marketing loan rates and target prices, and through income-generating opportunities like biodiesel that are good for soybean growers and the nation at large."
Commodity Title
The soybean target price established in the 2002 Farm Bill does not provide an equitable safety net compared to support levels for other program crops. This has resulted in unbalanced income support and distortions in planting decisions.
Energy Title
Soy-based biodiesel is a vital component of a robust Energy Title that can allow American agriculture to play a key role in boosting U.S. energy independence as well as economic development. The Energy Title in the Farm Bill should include:
Conservation Title
Soybean growers support a robust Conservation Title that emphasizes conservation on working lands. ASA calls for:
Trade Title
ASA calls for increased funding for the Foreign Market Development and Market Access Programs, as well as all for food aid programs, including P.L. 480 Titles I and II, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, and the Food for Progress Program.
Research Title
ASA supports the creation of a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants for food and agricultural research. ASA continues to support funding for soybean research, including authorization of an Innovation Incentive Program to provide grants to encourage commercialization of traits that improve the quality of U.S. soybeans.
Details of ASA's 2007 Farm Bill proposals, title by title, are available here.