The American Soybean Association (ASA) is calling on Members of Congress to focus on three key issues during August in preparation for the heavy legislative schedule that Members will face when they return to Washington, D.C., next month. Between September and the end of the current legislative session in November, Congress is expected to consider three important issues that will affect soybean growers. Legislation is pending on the Farm Bill, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and biodiesel as part of an energy bill that could include a national standard for use of renewable fuels.

“These policy issues will be on the Congressional front burner this fall. Soybean growers should communicate to Members of the Senate and House about how important these issues are to the profitability of soybean growers and the rural communities where we live,” said ASA President Bart Ruth, a soybean grower from Rising City, Neb. “The Farm Bill, TPA and biodiesel are key for soybean growers and should be a priority for our policymakers.”

Regarding the Farm Bill, ASA supports including soybeans as a program crop under the new Farm Bill, provided they are treated fairly and equitably. The current legislation approved by the House Agriculture Committee puts soybean growers at a disadvantage compared to program crops. Therefore, ASA is working with the Senate and other farm organizations to ensure that the Senate legislation treats soybeans equitably.

More than half of U.S. soybeans are exported each year, and TPA is an important avenue to expand access to foreign markets in order to raise soybean prices. TPA would strengthen U.S. ability to negotiate positive trade agreements by allowing the Administration to negotiate trade agreements and then present them to Congress for an up-or-down vote. Trade deals reached by the governments of the European Union, Canada, Brazil and Argentina are not subject to amendment by their legislatures.

Biodiesel offers one of the best potential markets to displace the large volumes of soybean oil that are currently depressing soybean prices. ASA supports legislation, S. 1006, introduced by Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Tim Johnson (D-SD), that would require all motor fuel contain a low blend of biodiesel or ethanol. The provision could be included in the Senate’s comprehensive energy package to be debated this fall.