After the European Commission had just proposed to let European Union (EU) states opt out of the import of food and feed containing biotechnology traits, the body seems to have reversed course a bit and approved 17 biotechnology traits for import. The news was met with guarded optimism from the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) First Vice President Richard Wilkins, a … Read More
Soybean Leaders Talk Biotech in China
Representatives from U.S. soybean organizations are in China this week joining their counterparts from several other countries to discuss the biotech-approval process there. United Soybean Board (USB) chairman Bob Haselwood of Kansas, the American Soybean Association (ASA) president Wade Cowan of Texas, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) chair Laura Foell of Iowa teamed up with their fellow soybean … Read More
EU Plan Would Allow Countries to Ban Biotech
A new proposal by the European Commission which would allow member countries to ban the import of food and feed containing biotech ingredients, causing a concern for U.S. agricultural interests. “We are very disappointed by today’s announcement of a regulatory proposal that appears hard to reconcile with the EU’s international obligations,” said United States Trade Representative Michael Froman. “Moreover, dividing … Read More
Corn and Soybean Groups Support Non-GMO Label
Corn and soybean grower organizations applauded the introduction Wednesday of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, legislation that would create a national, science-based labeling standard for foods containing genetically modified organisms. “Farmers and consumers agree on the need for clear, consistent labeling. Labels should be science-based and uniform in all 50 states,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip … Read More
House GMO Labeling Bill Re-Introduced
The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House Wednesday by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) with bi-partisan co-sponsorship. The bill would provide for uniform federal food labeling standards and includes a new provision to allow those who wish to label their products as GMO-free to do so by through an accredited … Read More
ASA Awards at #Classic15
The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented several awards during the annual banquet at Commodity Classic last week. Steve Berger from Wellman, Iowa received the 2015 National Conservation Legacy Award, designed Along with ASA, the program is co-sponsored by BASF Crop Protection, Monsanto, Corn & Soybean Digest magazine and the United Soybean Board/Checkoff. ASA presented Dr. Jim Specht, emeritus professor of … Read More
New Cert in Sustainability for Certified Crop Advisers
There is a new certification focused on sustainable agricultural practices developed by the United Soybean Board (USB), American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA). The certification will ensure best management practices are used by the industry. “The majority of U.S. soybean farmers are using sustainable practices, but we want to continue to improve our operations,” … Read More
Soybean Growers Ask EU to Approve Biotech Traits
Soybean growers in the U.S. are calling on the European Union to approve 13 new biotechnology products for importation. This news release from the American Soybean Association (ASA) says the group, along with other U.S. farm organizations, sent a letter to European Health & Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, urging the EU to approve the products, including soybeans, corn, canola … Read More
Soybean Growers Announce Conservation Legacy Awards
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has announced the regional winners of its 2015 Conservation Legacy Awards. This news release says Steve Berger, Wellman, Iowa (Midwest Region); Mike Starkey, Brownsburg, Indiana (Northeast Region); and Jimmy Thomas, Timberlake, North Carolina (South Region), are the regional winners and will be recognized at the ASA Awards Banquet, Feb. 27, 2015, at Commodity Classic in … Read More
EPA’s Neonicotinoid Findings Disputed
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is disputing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) findings critical on the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean operations. ASA President and Brownfield, Texas, farmer Wade Cowan said “…soybean producers use neonicotinoid seed treatments where they are needed and effective, and don’t use them where not.” Cowan pointed to recent research from Mississippi showing … Read More