USDA Proposes to Increase Membership on United Soybean Board; Invites Public Comment

Date
Tuesday, June 16, 2015 - 10:00am

Release No.: 072-15

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to increase membership on the United Soybean Board from 70 to 73 members to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the board was last reapportioned in 2012.  USDA invites the public to comment on the proposed change.

As required by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act, membership on the board is reviewed every three years and adjustments are made accordingly.  This proposed change would result in an increase in board membership for Missouri, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.  These changes would be reflected in the Soybean Promotion and Research Order and would be effective for the 2016 board appointment process.

The proposed rule is published in the June 16, 2015, Federal Register.  Comments may be posted online at www.regulations.gov, or sent to James Brow, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2610-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; or via Fax to (202) 720–1125.

Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or online at www.regulations.gov.  Comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided.  All comments should reference the docket number, Docket No. AMS–LPS–15–0016; the date of submission; and the page number of the issue of the Federal Register.  Comments must be received by August 17, 2015.

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.

For more information, please contact James Brow at the address listed above, or at James.Brow@ams.usda.gov.  You may also visit www.ams.usda.gov/SoybeanPage for additional information on the United Soybean Board.

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