ASA staff and board gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for the summer board meeting.

The week began on Monday, July 7 with an executive committee meeting. On Tuesday, during general session, ASA CEO Steve Censky presented his recent CEO report to highlight several policy efforts that ASA is working on these next few months, from encouraging timely, science based biotech approvals to working for improved railways and trade opportunities. Following a presentation on the 2014-15 FY budget and Per Diem discussion, members participated in discussion on the Waters of the U.S. and impact on farmers.

Also on Tuesday board members attended meetings for the Public Affairs/Trade Policy & International Affairs; Membership and Corporate Relations; Finance; SoyPac and Communication, as well as a Board lunch sponsored by Syngenta. ASA thanks Syngenta for sponsoring the summer board meeting lunch.

That evening, board members attended Grassroots 101—How to Make the Most of Your Hill Visits and ended with a reception and viewing of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA)  film “Farmland.”

After members heard an update from the United Soybean Board on Wednesday, ASA presented Sen. Mike Johanns, of Nebraska, the Soy Champion Award. The award is given twice yearly to recognize exemplary representation of soybean farmers and soy-related issues by elected officials.

Rep. MikePompeo talks aboutEPA government regulations and GMO labeling over lunch at Wednesday's ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum.

On Wednesday, board members also heard motions and took action on committee items. Monsanto presented a Soy Issues forum and then the nominating committee met.

The ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum on Wednesday offered soybean growers and attendees a variety of speakers, beginning with a special interview presentation featuring Dr. Michael Jacobson, executive director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Dr. Jacobson spoke on the FDA’s proposal to revoke the GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils. Sara Wyant, president of AgriPulse, interviewed sDr. Jacobson.

Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) was the keynote lunch speaker, discussing federal GMO labeling legislation. After lunch, participants heard from Deputy Administrator of EPA Bob Perciasepe. Deputy Administrator Perciasepe spoke with growers about EPA rules on RFS/biodiesel, waters of the U.S. and the new pollinator initiative. The forum continued with Rob Bertram, director for the Office of Agriculture, Research and Policy, U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau and Food Security. Bertram discussed the USAID’s Feed the Future Innovation Labs and global food security. Following Bertram was a transportation panel, moderated by Mike Steenhoek, executive director, Soy Transportation Coalition. Joining Steenhoek was joined by John Runyan, president, Coalition for Transportation, Mike Toohey, president and CEO, Waterways Council and Greg Guthrie, director of Ag Products, BNSF. The panel talked waterways, rail and weight limits and impact on soybean production.

During the ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) presented.  Leigh Allen, executive director for the NBGC, briefed attendees about NBGC legislative priorities and how ASA and NBGC can expand traditional coalitions and work together for the betterment of all producers.  The ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum was sponsored by Monsanto and included a brief presentation from Scott Kushmider, Government Affairs Communications Director.

Board members met on Thursday for Hill Visits and a soy reception. The ASA Board meeting will wrap up on Friday with the Resolutions Working Group meeting.