July 5, 2017
US soy farmers discuss innovation at dialogue in Australia
Oilseed producers, including delegates from the US soybean industry, met in Sydney, Australia, on June 25-29, as part of the 20th International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD).
Participating countries included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Paraguay, the UK, and the US.
The goal was for each participating country to share perspectives on key issues, including international trade and the global regulatory environment for new breeding technologies. Through robust dialogue to address common challenges, these countries are working together to meet the needs of the future.
US soybean farmers engaged with other oilseed farmers and delegates on key issues for the US soy industry, specifically innovation, international market expansion and market access for trade, according to the United Soybean Board (USB).
"The future demands innovation from US soy," said USB chair and Ohio soybean farmer John Motter. "IOPD provided a chance for the soy checkoff to discuss its research and marketing efforts to advance the technologies available to US soybean farmers, including high oleic soybeans. These efforts help to continuously improve the meal, oil, and sustainability of US soy, which builds preference for our crop and increases our profit opportunities."
International trade and market expansion
Creating and marketing new technologies are the first steps in bringing innovation to the table. While US soybean farmers take advantage of innovations in the field, their checkoff works to maintain and grow international markets overseas.
International markets for US soy are critical due to the high percentage of US soy exported each year.
"Roughly 60% of the soy grown in the US today is exported, and demand for US soy is increasing globally alongside population growth," said US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) chairman and Nebraska soybean farmer Jim Miller. "By creating a dialogue and bringing together our international partners, USSEC expands its global network to identify allies to help ensure US soy enjoys market access without trade barriers and, most importantly, ensure long-term demand keeps growing for US soy."
In addition to building international markets, US soy needs market access for trade. IOPD provided a chance for US soy delegates to discuss international trade dynamics and build relationships with like-minded organisations from around the world.
"Coordinating with fellow oilseed producer groups around the world can really pay dividends, especially on international trade and market access issues," American Soybean Association President and Illinois soybean farmer Ron Moore remarked. "Our work at this meeting to discuss shared goals and plans regarding how new plant breeding technologies such as gene editing might be regulated around the world, as well as how market access can be expanded, is very timely."
- United Soybean Board
