Release No.: 132-15
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced membership on the United Soybean Board will increase from 70 to 73 members due to changes in production levels that have occurred since the board was last reapportioned in 2012.
As required by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act (Act), USDA reviews each state’s volume of production every three years and adjusts board membership accordingly. The review conducted in 2015 provides for an increase in board membership of one member each for Missouri, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. These changes will be reflected in the Soybean Promotion and Research Order and will be effective for the 2016 board appointment process.
Details of the changes will be published in the Oct. 22, 2015, Federal Register. Copies of the final rule are available at www.regulations.gov, or from James Brow, Agricultural Marketing Service, Research and Promotion Division, STOP 0249, Room 2096-S, Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-0249; telephone: (202) 720-0633 or fax (202) 720-1125.
The board, authorized by the Act, administers a coordinated soybean promotion and research program designed to expand uses of soybeans and soybean products in domestic and international markets. Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.
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