Soybean association board travels to Washington

Agricultural industry influencers and the American Soybean Association (ASA) Board of Directors met in Washington, D.C last month to discuss a number of issues.

Speakers included Ambassador Darci Vetter, chief agricultural negotiator from the U.S Trade Representative office, who spoke about the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership passing into law.

Rep. Michael Conway (R-TX), the House Agriculture Committee chairman, spoke to the board about the House passing legislation on GMO labeling by a vote of 306-117. Nutrition Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-MA) joined the group to speak on the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Phillip Brasher and Spencer Chase from Agri-Pulse spoke about agriculture’s role in the upcoming presidential election. Finally, a panel focused on the farm bill included representatives from National Cotton Council, National Milk Producers Federation and United Fresh Produce Association.
  
The ASA Soy Champion Award was given to Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-SC) during the visit. He was honored with the award based on his dedication to legislation establish a national framework for the labeling of foods containing biotechnology. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The meetings concluded with time for meeting congressional delegations followed by a reception at the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building.