2009 Legislative Priorities

The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) works with its national affiliate, the American Soybean Association (ASA) - together OSA and ASA serve as a collective voice and policy advocates for Ohio Soybean Farmers.


2009 Farm Bill Implementation by USDA
  • Work with NCGA, NFU, AFBF and others to ensure favorable regulations for Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program.
  • Favorable regulations for biodiesel payments under Bioenergy Program that pays on all gallons, not just incremental production above previous year.

Extend Biodiesel Tax Incentive Beyond 2009

  • The biodiesel tax incentive enacted in 2008 was for one year and expires on December 31, 2009. Legislation to address this and similar tax incentives is not likely to move until later in the year.

 FY-2010 Appropriations

  • Permanent funding for soybean rust sentinel plot and diagnostic network (PIPE).
  • Funding for lock and dam modernization on Upper Mississippi River System.
  • Full authorized funding for market development and export promotion programs - $34.5 million for FMD and $200 million for MAP.
  • Funding for Food Assistance Programs (Dole-McGovern Food for Education Program
  • Full authorized funding for USDA's Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Security Program.

Trade Agreements

  • Passage of pending FTAs - Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
  • WTO Agreement, provided it significantly increases market access for soybean and livestock products in both developed and developing markets.

Biobased Preferred Product and Labeling Program Implementation

  • Implement biobased label and the criteria for attaining the label to help distinguish true biobased products and pull them into the market.
  • Accelerate the implementation of the BioPreferred Procurement Program so that more products are approved as eligible.

 Climate Change Legislation for 111th Congress

  • Ensure that agriculture is not negatively impacted.
  • Optimize opportunity for farmers to expand their markets and provide carbon offset credits.

 Development of Offshore Aquaculture Legislation

  • U.S. regulatory framework needed for this new source of demand for U.S. soybean meal.

 Transportation

  • Funding for upgrade of locks and dams in stimulus and/or FY09&FY10 appropriations.
  • Rail infrastructure Tax Credit and legislation to address rail rates and service issues.
  • Highway Reauthorization Bill: funding for road and bridge construction; truck weight and rules and other issues relevant to agriculture.

 

 



Legislation