The ASA Action Partnership (ASAAP) met last week for a mid-year update in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the ASA Board meeting. The half-day meeting provided industry partners, the ASA Executive Committee, United Soybean Board and some of the Qualified State Soybean Board partners in attendance an opportunity to hear presentations and discuss future action strategies on key issues impacting the soy industry.

The afternoon was thought-provoking and informative across a range of subjects such as the labeling of products containing ingredients with biotech traits, the outlook of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its impact on the biodiesel industry, the future of the use of soy as a feed in the aquaculture industry, and the soy industry sustainability protocol.

The 40 ASAAP members in attendance learned from Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Executive Vice President Louis Finkel that GMA members do not agree that it’s necessary to label products with ingredients from biotech crops, and plan on fighting upcoming state initiatives and propositions.

Attendees also heard from U.S. Soybean Export Council CEO Jim Sutter, who outlined the rollout plans for the soy industry’s Sustainability Assurance Protocol. In addition, the Unilever/Iowa Pilot Project involving select Iowa soybean producers, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Unilever was presented and discussed by the group. In this pilot project Unilever wants to source sustainably-grown soybeans for their Hellman’s mayonnaise production in their Chicago plant.

At dinner that evening, the group was paid a surprise visit by Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.),who thanked ASA and soybean industry stakeholders for their efforts in fighting for the biodiesel industry and pushing for prompt passage of a farm bill.

Industry partners of ASAAP include DuPont Pioneer, Monsanto, Bayer Crop Science, ADM, FMC, AGCO, Dow Agro Sciences, Syngenta and BASF.