Farmer leaders of the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the United Soybean Board (USB) today announced at a press conference that a proposal by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the health benefits of soy protein could lead to increased profit opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers. USB Chairman Byron Lemoine, USB Executive Committee member David Durham, who chairs USB’s Domestic Marketing Committee, ASA President Mike Yost and ASA First Vice President Marc Curtis, who chairs ASA’s Public Affairs committee, explained how the FDA action will have consumers in the U.S. and around the world seeking foods labeled to contain soy protein. The FDA has proposed that including soy protein in a healthy diet reduces serum cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

ASA’s Marc Curtis said, "One in five Americans have what health experts consider high blood cholesterol levels of over 240. That’s about 54 million people in this country alone who would greatly benefit from soy protein as part of a healthy diet. If these 54 million people with high blood cholesterol would consume the recommended 25 grams of soy protein each day, the ASA estimates the demand for soybeans would increase by more than 55 million bushels annually."

"Soybean checkoff investments were used to analyze the potential economic impact of increases in the human consumption of foods containing soy protein," stated USB’s Byron Lemoine. "As a result of that analysis, soybean checkoff investments were used to help assemble scientific evidence needed to help secure the soybean health claim from the FDA."

USB’s David Durham said, "Soybean checkoff investments have played an important role in documenting the healthful benefits of soy protein. For example, checkoff investments made by Qualified State Soybean Boards, most notably the Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board, and USB have helped prove the beneficial relationship between soybean protein and the lowering of cholesterol levels."

"During FDA’s public comment period that ends on January 25, 1999, ASA will be working with members of Congress, and with other agriculture and food organizations to coordinate support for the proposed rule," ASA’s Mike Yost said. "We plan to provide interested parties with research data and other educational materials that substantiate our position in this claim. A final rule is expected by March of next year."

The United States produces half the world’s supply of soybeans with an annual yield of 2.7 billion bushels. In 1997, the total U.S. crop value exceeded $17.5 billion.