The American Soybean Growers Association, meeting last week during Commodity Classic, revised its policy direction. One hundred thirty three producers from ASA’s 26 state affiliates served as Voting Delegates in this annual process that guides the ASA as it pursues future initiatives to improve U.S. soybean farmer profitability.

Some of the most significant additions and modifications in the area of trade include: support of normal trade relations with Russia; opposing the merger of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative with other trade agencies; and opposes any move to unilaterally regulate the value of foreign currencies.

As for the new farm bill ASA: strongly supports programs that provide the greatest possible planting flexibility; says agriculture should accept its fair share of any required spending reductions, provided they are proportionate with other federal programs and they do not require restructuring of the federal crop insurance program and payments under a revenue-based program should be commodity-specific.

ASA also supports maintaining and funding programs that encourage effective conservation practices on working lands; ASA supports reauthorization and funding of the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, and the Biobased Market Program. ASA also voiced its support for an infrastructure funding framework that allows for public and private investment in the U.S. commercial transportation system.

Courtesy: NAFB News