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Feb 19, 2015
ASA president Wade Cowan provides ASA's perspectives on how the soy industry can work together to be successful at the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) annual meeting. Pictured from left to right are Gary Blumenthal of World Perspectives moderating the panel, USSEC Chairman Laura Foell, USB Chairman Bob Hazelwood, Cowan, U.S. Canola Association President Ryan Pedersen, and NOPA Chairman Chris Nikkel of Bunge.
Leaders in the oilseed industry met this week to discuss key issues, including regulatory challenges and consumer education.
ASA's Executive Committee joined USB, USSEC and oilseed processor leaders for the annual National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) meeting in California, where discussion included the global economy, engaging consumers and implications of the 2014 mid-term elections.
One positive outcome concluded is the demand from meat customers, including pork, poultry, beef and aquaculture, is robust and growing as populations and incomes rise worldwide.
A key takeaway from the meeting is the continued need of the industry to fight against regulatory challenges, on both the farm and processing plant levels. Industry leaders also underscored the importance of ramping up efforts to educate consumers on biotechnology, how farmers produce what they eat and the work that goes into meeting consumer needs for healthy, affordable food.
On Thursday, ASA President Wade Cowan joined USSEC Chairman Laura Foell, USB Chairman Bob Hazelwood, U.S. Canola Association President Ryan Pedersen and NOPA Chairman Chris Nikkel, of Bunge, on an industry panel to discuss ways the oilseed industry can work together to be successful when facing these challenges.
