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Soybean Policy Update:
It’s been a busy summer on the federal policy front, and
your Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) staff and
board of directors have been hard at work advocating
for your interests. As Congress wraps up its summer recess
and heads back to Capitol Hill, big issues such as passing
a highway bill and passing appropriations bills await them.
The following is a recap of MSA efforts on your behalf, as
well as a look ahead.
In July, MSA Director E.L. Reed, summer intern Charlotte
Burgess and I were in Washington, D.C. as part of the
American Soybean Association’s (ASA) summer board
meeting. We arranged visits with our entire delegation, talking
to them about WOTUS, RFS biodiesel targets, GMO
labeling, increased truck weights for interstate highways
and appropriations. We are thankful for the great level of
support of our priorities from our delegation members.
July saw the passage of HR 1599, the Safe and Accurate
Food Labeling Act of 2015, offered by Congressman Mike
Pompeo (R-KS). Pompeo’s legislation would seek to end
the patchwork of state by state GMO labeling laws by
creating a national voluntary labeling standard. Missouri
enjoys strong support amongst our delegation on this matter
and all of our House members voted in favor.
If you haven’t already, please take time to call them and express
your thanks. There’s work to do in the Senate, though
and I’d encourage you to contact both offices and express
your support for this legislation which is a top priority of
MSA and ASA.
Before adjourning for recess, the House and Senate agreed
upon a three month extension of highway funding. Both
chambers want to pass a long term bill, but the jury is out
on how to fund it. Discussions are ongoing on using repatriated
dollars from overseas and raising fuel taxes as part
of a larger tax policy legislative package.
At MSA’s July board meeting, it was unanimous to endorse
Sen. Roy Blunt for re-election. While we will wait for Sen.
Blunt to announce his candidacy in his own timetable, the
board felt it important to show support for Sen. Blunt who
is a tireless champion of soybean priorities. I had the great
honor to emcee a press event in support of Sen. Blunt’s
re-election at the Missouri State Fair. MSA board president
Tom Raffety participated in the event, along with leaders
from Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Corn Growers Association,
Dairy Association and Pork Association. Together,
Missouri’s agriculture organizations are standing united
in our support of Sen. Blunt.
MSA had the opportunity to host four membership development
events with different members of Congress during
Dan Engemann serves as the Director of Industry and Producer Relations for the Missouri Soybean Association and
Merchandising Council. He represents Missouri soybean farmers on policy issues at the state and federal levels.
28 Harvest 2015 Missouri Soybean Farmer