Soybean Growers Seek Rapid Conference Approval

The American Soybean Association (ASA) applauded the Senate’s 91-4 approval last night of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA). ASA called for a rapid conference between the House and Senate versions of WRDA so soybean growers can realize long-awaited infrastructure improvements to the nation’s waterways that transport soybeans to market.

More than 75 percent of U.S. soybean exports head to world ports via the upper Mississippi and Illinois River systems. ASA, and soybean farmers across the country, long advocated for WRDA approval.

"The Senate’s passage of the Water Resources and Development Act is great news for soybean growers who have championed much-needed improvements on the Mississippi and Illinois waterways," said ASA President Rick Ostlie, a soybean producer from Northwood, N.D. "Modern and efficient waterways and ports are essential to our economic well-being and international competitiveness."

ASA praised the persistence of Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Kit Bond (R-MO) who have worked for many years to gain approval of WRDA.

On April 19, the House passed its version of the WRDA. The Senate and House must now reconcile their separate versions of the legislation during conference. The House and Senate passed similar measures last year, but were not given final approval before the end of the congressional session.

Ports and waterways contribute $718 billion to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) while ensuring domestic and international trade opportunities and safe, low-cost, eco-friendly transportation. Navigation on the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers supports more than 400,000 jobs, including 90,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs.

"U.S. waterways are the most economical and environmentally friendly way to transport U.S. soybeans to both domestic and foreign markets," Ostlie said. "More than half of our locks and dams have aged beyond their life cycle. Many are unable to handle today’s barges that are twice as long as when the system was built in the 1930s. Barge loads are being split, which causes higher transportation costs, lower commodity prices and fewer international sales for U.S. farmers."