The ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum offers soybean growers and attendees a heavy hitting lineup that would make any baseball team envious. Leading off is a special interview presentation featuring Dr. Michael Jacobson, executive director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Dr. Jacobson will discuss the FDA’s proposal to revoke the GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils. Sara Wyant, president of AgriPulse, will interview Dr. Jacobson.

From left to right: Dr. Michael Jacobson, executive director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and Rob Bertram, director for the Office of Agriculture, Research and Policy, U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau and Food Security.

Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) is the keynote lunch speaker. Rep. Pompeo will speak about federal GMO labeling legislation. After lunch, participants will hear from Deputy Administrator of EPA Bob Perciasepe. Deputy Administrator Perciasepe will talk with growers about EPA rules on RFS/biodiesel, waters of the U.S. and the new pollinator initiative.The lineup of all-star speakers continues with Rob Bertram, director for the Office of Agriculture, Research and Policy, U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau and Food Security. Mr. Bertram will speak about the USAID’s Feed the Future Innovation Labs and global food security. Following Mr. Bertram will be a panel discussing transportation.

The transportation panel will be moderated by Mike Steenhoek, executive director, Soy Transportation Coalition. Joining Mr. Steenhoek is John Runyan, president, Coalition for Transportation, Mike Toohey, president and CEO, Waterways Council and Greg Guthrie, director of Ag Products, BNSF. The panel will be discussing waterways, rail and weight limits and impact on soybean production.

Also at the ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum, will be a brief presentation from the National Black Growers Council (NBGC). Leigh Allen, executive director for the NBGC, will brief 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 is a one-day program educating soybean producers, state and industry leader about emerging soybean on key topics impacting their operations and soybean industry. Also in attendance will be members of the 2014 DuPont Young Leader Program who are interested in learning about the role and scope of how U.S. agricultural and regulatory programs are developed.

The ASA Legislative Issues and Education Forum is sponsored by Monsanto and will include a brief presentation from Scott Kushmider, Government Affairs Communications Director.