The American Soybean Association (ASA) today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to appoint Michael W. Yost as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). A soybean grower from Murdock, Minnesota, Yost served as ASA President in 1998-99 and then ASA Chairman in 1999-2000.

"ASA commends USDA’s choice of putting Mike Yost at the helm of the Foreign Agriculture Service because Mike understands the priorities and values of farmers," said ASA President and soybean producer Bob Metz. "At the same time, Mike is extremely well versed in international trade policy and programs that are so important to U.S. soybean growers and the entire U.S. economy."

FAS is the agency that oversees and coordinates USDA’s international activities. Yost will play a strong leadership role in expanding and maintaining international export opportunities for U.S. agriculture, supporting international economic development and trade capacity building and improving the global sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) system to facilitate agricultural trade.

"Mike Yost has demonstrated broad expertise and managerial skills and will continue to make a great contribution to USDA in this new role," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in making the announcement. "I look forward to working with Mike as we continue to strengthen our capacity at USDA to manage the growing importance of international markets to American agriculture and the food sector."

Yost has served as the Farm Service Agency's associate administrator for programs since January 2004. A fourth generation farmer, Yost served as chairman of the American Oilseed Coalition along with his ASA leadership posts. Yost also served on the National Biodiesel Board and the USDA/Department of Energy Biomass Advisory Board.