Brussels, Belgium
November 19, 2015

U.S. and South American soybean farmers are meeting with government officials, industry partners and other key influencers in Europe this week to discuss biotechnology acceptance and the implications of biotech approval delays. The farmers, who represent more than 95 percent of the world’s soybean exports and normally battle for global market share, are joining forces to advocate for a science-based and more predictable biotech approval process.

“Soybeans are part of a global market,” said Bob Haselwood, United Soybean Board (USB) chairman and soybean farmer from Berryton, Kansas. “We need a collaborative effort across the U.S., South America and the European Union to work toward timely approvals for new biotech traits. These traits will help us continue to supply a safe, reliable and abundant food supply for the world’s consumers.”

The delegation from the U.S. and South America is part of the International Soybean Growers Alliance (ISGA), which brings together farmers from these key soybean-producing countries to address global issues impacting all soybean farmers, including biotechnology acceptance.

A study released during an ISGA trade mission earlier this year showed that a three-year postponement in global approval of biotech-enhanced soybean traits any time in the next 10 years would cost farmers and consumers nearly $19 billion, compared with typical approval timelines.

The groups with the most to lose from delayed approvals include consumers in large importing countries, including China and nations in the European Union, and farmers in large soy-exporting countries that quickly adopt new technology, such as the U.S., Brazil and Argentina, according to the report.

“The global supply chain is a powerful economic engine that benefits not only farmers and consumers but also stakeholders at each stage in between,” said Ron Moore, American Soybean Association (ASA) secretary, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) board member and soybean farmer from Roseville, Illinois. “The soybeans we grow create jobs in the U.S. and in each of our export markets. These economic benefits can’t be fully realized without a fully functioning biotech approval process.”

About the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA)
ISGA is made up of growers and industry representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Paraguay, Uruguay and U.S., who share a commitment to meet the rapidly increasing world demand for quality and healthy soy products produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The six countries represented are responsible for over 95 percent of global soy production.

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
USSEC aims to maximize the use of U.S. soy internationally by meeting the needs of global customers that use U.S. soy in human food and feed for poultry, livestock and fish. The organization uses a global network of stakeholder partnerships, including soybean farmers, exporters, agribusinesses, agricultural organizations, researchers and government agencies, to accomplish that mission. For more information about USSEC, visit www.ussec.org.

About the American Soybean Association (ASA)
ASA represents all U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international issues of importance to the soybean industry. ASA’s advocacy efforts are made possible through voluntary farmer membership by farmers in 30 states where soybeans are grown. For more information on ASA, visit www.soygrowers.com.

About the United Soybean Board (USB)
The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated by the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on USB, visit www.unitedsoybean.org.

Website: http://www.soygrowers.com

Published: November 19, 2015