SUMMERSPRING 20182016

Vol.5, No. 4

Early Dialogue Critical for PLANT BREEDING PBI INNOVATION

SOY FUTURES Georgia Family Business Focuses on Conventional Markets

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability Trendsetter: Tennessee Farmer Works Many Angles

SOY FORWARD What is Gene Editing, and Why is it Different?

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE Biotech: Greater Precision, Broader Choices Get advice. Get tools. Get the most out of your elds. Want higher yields? Start with higher education. At ILSoyAdvisor.com, you’ll get growing tips and actionable advice from leading soybean experts, access to business tools like research reports, management guides and webinars, and all the knowledge you need to become a master of soybean management. Get started now at ILSoyAdvisor.com.

ISA3182780 2 I American Soybean I Spring 2018

2780-01_ISA3182780_7-75x10-5_4C_r0.indd 1 3/29/18 9:26 AM SPRING 2018 Vol. 5, No. 4 Early Dialogue Critical for Publisher Bill Schuermann Managing Editor Jordan Bright Associate Publisher/ Plant Breeding Marketing Jill Wagenblast Sponsorship/Ad Sales Bridget Fehrenbach, Michelle Hummel, 8 Innovations Chris Luelf CONTENTS Database Management Chris Merlotti Features Production/Advisor David & Associates 6 Q&A with ASA CEO Meet ASA’s new chief executive officer, Ryan Findlay, Contributing Writers and find out about his priorities for the future of ASA. Barb Baylor Anderson, Chris Crawford, 8 Early Dialogue Critical for Plant Candace Krebs, Andrew W. LaVigne, Breeding Innovations As gene editing Dan Lemke, Renée Munasifi techniques are developing rapidly, Contributing Photographers communication to educate consumers Jordan Bright, Tom Campbell, Steve is of key importance. Dolan, Ryan Findlay, Michelle Hummel, 20 Commodity Classic See photos from the Joe Murphy 6 2018 annual convention and trade show in Anaheim. ASA Staff Leadership 22 Soy Futures Georgia farmer Andrew Moore says growing non-GMO crops isn’t American Soybean Association for everyone, but the model is sustainable and works well for his family. Ryan Findlay, Chief Executive Officer 26 #SoyLeaders–Check out what’s trending and what members of Bill Schuermann, Executive Director the soy family are sharing on social media. World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Columns Jim Hershey, Executive Director 24 Issue Update Reform of Biotechnology Regulation ASA Farmer Leaders Moves Forward. President John Heisdorffer Keota, Iowa 29 Sustainability Tennessee farmer David Womack started 30 Chairman Ron Moore Roseville, Ill. practicing sustainable farming techniques long before it was popular. Vice President Davie Stephens Wingo, Ky. 30 Soy Forward Andrew LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade

Association (ASTA), discusses gene editing in plant breeding innovation. American Soybean is published quarterly by the American Soybean Association, Departments 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100, 4 Soy News A review of soy-related news from St. Louis, MO 63141. Phone: 314.576.1770. across the nation and around the world. Web: www.SoyGrowers.com 13 Policy at-a-Glance Find out what ASA is The American Soybean Association (ASA) asking for on the Hill for biotechnology represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and soyfoods. and international policy issues important to the 4 soybean industry. ASA has 26 affiliated state 14 ASA in Action Soy leaders meet with lawmakers on the Hill in D.C., associations representing 30 soybean producing discuss policy resolutions during the voting delegates session, graduate states and more than from leadership programs and more. 300,000 soybean farmers. 17 Soy Checkoff News from the United Soybean Board and soy checkoff. 27 Industry Perspective Industry leaders discuss the latest biotechnology developments and what they mean for their farmer customers.

Copyright © 2018 by American Soybean Association. All rights reserved. 28 Soy World A close-up look at ASA international marketing activities.

Facebook.com/AmericanSoybeanAssociation Twitter.com/ASA_Soybeans

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 3 SOYnews

Studies Show U.S. Soybeans Have Best Conservationists, Ag Industry Quality In Join Forces to Help the World Iconic Monarch Butterfly Farmers For Monarchs, a broad-based collaboration aimed at addressing on-farm conservation efforts, Recent studies comparing soybeans of different launched this spring. The American Soybean origins continue to reinforce the understanding that Association (ASA) is a partner in the collaboration. U.S. soy provides the nutritional bundle needed to This unprecedented, united effort by farmers, ranchers, optimize animal nutrition and profitability. The full landowners, the agriculture industry, conservation value of U.S. soybean products is found when buyers groups and others seeks to encourage and enable the consider total metabolizable energy, batch-to- voluntary expansion and establishment of pollinator and batch consistency, essential-amino-acid profile and conservation habitat. The initiative includes planting digestibility. milkweed and other habitat along the monarch butterfly seasonal migration route in North America. Gonzalo Mateos, animal-science professor at the University of Madrid in Spain, conducted research on the nutritive value and energy quality of soybean meal for pigs and poultry. His team compiled data across eight consecutive years to map the energy and protein levels of samples of the world’s largest exporters of soybean meal—the United States, Brazil and Argentina. In his peer-reviewed and published study, Mateos concluded that composition and quality of protein is the best indicator of nutrition. He said U.S. soybean meal is the world’s top and most- convenient of the world’s protein-meal supply. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is currently evaluating monarch conservation efforts along the migration route. Another study by Hans Stein, University of Illinois In June 2019, it will determine its final listing decision animal-nutrition professor, showed U.S. soybean of the monarch and, possibly, its habitat, under the meal had more digestible amino acids than that of Endangered Species Act. A listing could potentially other origins, and U.S. soybean meal has greater impact the way farmers manage their land in the future. digestibility and less variability in composition Voluntary efforts to establish and restore monarch and digestibility. Global research continues to habitat could lead to reversing population losses, demonstrate that soybeans and soy products can potentially rendering a listing unnecessary. Farmers can vary widely depending on their origin—but every visit www.farmersformonarchs.org/ for more resources year, U.S. soy can be counted on by nutritionists and information on conservation efforts. and managers to consistently maximize animal performance and reduce production costs. Source: Farmers for Monarchs news release

Source: U.S. Soybean Export Council news release

4 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 BY THE NUMBERS 8,055 The number of registered attendees, including a record number of 1,533 non-exhibitor, first-time attendees at Commodity Classic in Anaheim this year. (Commodity Classic) 1 million The number of women farmers working the land in the U.S.

Jianxin Ma, Purdue University professor of agronomy, has found that a gene affecting bloom (U.S. Department of Agriculture) in soybeans also increases the crop’s seed oil content. Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell 72 percent Study Suggests New Targets for The percentage that biodiesel reduces Improving Soybean Oil Content Greenhouse Gas emissions by Scientists working to increase soybean oil content tend to focus their efforts compared to petroleum diesel. on genes known to impact the plant’s seeds, but a Purdue University (National Biodiesel Board) study shows that genes affecting other plant parts deserve more attention. Jianxin Ma, professor in Purdue’s Department of Agronomy, and his colleagues found that a single nucleotide polymorphism—a change from 89.5 million a single cytosine (C) to a thymine (T) within a gene called B1—eliminates The number of soybean area acres harvested in 2017. bloom from wild soybeans. Surprisingly, that’s not all the mutation did (Soybean Success Report) for soybeans.

“We found that the mutation within the B1 gene resulted in substantial increases of seed oil content in cultivated soybeans compared with 2.174 billion the wild type,” said Ma, whose findings were published in the journal The number of bushels of Nature Plants. “It seems like the selection of this mutation by farmers was soybeans exported in the essential for making soybean an important oilseed crop that we have now.” 2016-17 marketing year. (Soybean Success Report) The B1 gene does not seem to affect oil biosynthesis within seeds. However, the mutation that leads to loss of bloom heightens the activity of master regulators of oil biosynthesis in the endocarp of pods that appears to result in enhanced oil accumulation in seeds. The findings show that there may be genetic targets outside those responsible for seed traits that could affect soybean seed oil content. Ma will continue studying the genetic control of seed oil content mediated by the B1 gene, in particular the ways in which it interacts with other genes in a network to affect the pod and seed traits.

Source: Purdue University

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 5 Q &A with ASA’s New CEO Ryan Findlay

Ryan Findlay became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Soybean Association (ASA) in February of this year. He is a native of Caro, Mich., where his family still farms row crops. He earned a degree in political science from Western Michigan University and an MBA from Northwood University in Midland, Mich. The last four years Ryan worked for the global agricultural company Syngenta, focusing on freedom-to-operate issues impacting farmers. Previously, his seven-year tenure with the Michigan Farm Bureau included work on two farm bills, international trade, climate change and regulatory issues. Ryan, his wife Gretchen, and their two children will be relocating to the St. Louis area, where he will work out of ASA’s headquarters office.

Q. How did growing up on a farm 3. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Maintain the prepare you for your role as ASA CEO? RFS while passing the biodiesel tax credit. 4. Infrastructure: Invest in our inland waterways, ports, Growing up on a farm provides the unique perspective rail, highway and rural broadband infrastructure of understanding the emotional side of farming. There A as a means to strengthen the competitiveness of are obvious tangible benefits of experiencing the thrill of American farmers. planting in the spring, the smell of harvest in the fall or the feel of grabbing a handful of beans as they’re unloading Q. What issue are you most interested at the elevator. The more unspoken side is the stress of growing a crop and marketing a crop. I believe being able in tackling? to think like a farmer or put on the lens a farmer may view The technology in agriculture today is awesome, and is helpful when dealing with legislation. Athere is more on the horizon. Whether it’s breeding, crop protection tools, or data analytics, I believe in making Q. What drew you to this role? sure farmers have access to technology. Not every farmer Agriculture is in my blood. It’s been a part of my life will be able to use every tool, but farmers should have Asince I was born. I also love policy and politics. Being access to responsibly use technology. able to combine those passions while fighting for a cause bigger than myself is a dream. Q. Tell us a little about your accomplishments at your previous Q. What are your priorities for your positions that prepared you to take on first year on the job? the role of CEO.

The American Soybean Association’s Mission is to Have the conversation. It sounds too simple, but just Aadvocate for U.S. soy farmers on policy and trade. The Ashowing up to be a part of the conversation has been list of priorities is long! We are making a concerted effort key to any success I’ve had. Show up at Congressional to discuss four issues everywhere we go. events until the Representative knows your name (hopefully in a positive reference). Be a part of the policy 1. Farm Bill: We need to pass a farm bill in 2018! development process with your commodity group or 2. Trade: It is critical to maintain existing global markets agricultural association. (Hopefully this is your soybean for soybeans, as well as expand markets through association!) Talk to your neighbor. It’s basic but powerful. new agreements.

6 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 Q. What new ideas or approaches Legislative movement! Rural America needs a Abipartisan infrastructure bill passed and signed into do you anticipate being able to bring law. While there are many aspects to infrastructure to ASA? investment, I think we could all agree improvements to our inland waterways system are woefully behind and Develop a culture of excellence. We are going to try underfunded. Infrastructure is our competitive advantage new things. There is a strong foundation beneath A when it comes to global markets; it’s time to reinvest in the American Soybean Association; we wouldn’t have these strategic assets. survived 98 years without a good base. There is a great energy in the staff and I know our farmer leaders have a Q. What will make for a successful lot of great ideas too. This doesn’t mean we run wide open all the time, but we will aim to be a little better every time farm bill for soy growers? we act. Success is passing a farm bill in 2018 with Aevolutionary adjustments. Now is not the time to make Q. What do you see as the greatest radical changes or test theories. We need to maintain the challenge facing soy growers at the risk management tools such as crop insurance and the moment and what steps will you take Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage to address it? (PLC) programs. Also, increased funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Trade! Maintaining market access in China is priority programs. A#1. We also need to negotiate additional trade agreements. As a native of Michigan, which has a strong Q. As soy growers face new negative view of trade through the auto industry, I respect obstacles and uncertainty with the sensitivity with trade agreements. However, trade has trade deals, what is ASA doing to been beneficial for American farmers. For decades we, as soybean farmers, have embraced trade as a great way underscore the importance of these to strengthen markets. We need to continue expanding markets to farmers? agricultural trade. Let’s be a part of the solution to We are taking a 360-degree approach to trade. Nearly improving our country’s trade balance. A50 percent of U.S. soybeans are exported today— Q. What direction would you like to trade is important. We have engaged with coalitions such as Farmers for Free Trade, as well as Americans for take ASA in during the next five years? Farmers and Families to help everyone understand the A relentless focus on our mission “to advocate for importance of trade. We are advocating for Congress to AU.S. soy farmers on policy and trade.” This includes provide the resources to help us expand market access. creating a regulatory structure which provides the crop We are encouraging the Trump Administration to initiate protection tools farmers need. It’s enabling plant breeding more trade agreements, which will be helpful to soybean innovation to provide farmers with a variety of seed exports. choices. Improving market access through international trade agreements. In short—maintain our focus as a Q. What else do you want soy farmers policy association. to know? Q. What results would you like to see Thank you for opportunity to serve the farmer. It is an Ahonor to be a part of the American Soybean Association from President Trump’s infrastructure family. initiative?

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 7 Early Dialogue Critical for Plant Breeding Innovations I By Chris Crawford

ew plant breeding techniques, It’s important to note that as rapidly “If there was not a plant pest which can include genome as these techniques are being involved, we’ve determined them editing and epigenetic developed, so is a unified effort to not to be regulated,” Gregoire said. Nmodifications, are being used make sure consumers fully under- “The ‘Am I Regulated’ process to expand traditional plant breeding stand the difference between PBIs was established for developers tools and introduce new plant traits and genetically modified organisms wanting to better understand if their more rapidly and precisely. (GMOs), and the far-reaching biotechnology products fall under benefits PBIs can bring to the table. the agency’s regulatory oversight. Michael Gregoire, associate adminis- We will have more to say about this trator for the U.S. Department of “They have the potential to in the future.” Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and solve specific challenges facing Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. agriculture, benefit global Bernice Slutsky, Ph.D., senior (APHIS), said the agency likes to use food security and contribute to vice president of domestic and the term “plant breeding innovation” environmental sustainability by international policy for the American (PBI) to describe gene editing improving crop quality, increasing Seed Trade Association (ASTA), said techniques that essentially mimic yields and improving nutritional one of the latest and most versatile what can be done in the greenhouse value,” Gregoire said. methods used for gene editing is through traditional plant breeding. CRISPR-Cas9. The USDA’s APHIS currently reviews “The term refers to a suite of new inquiries of new PBI developers on According to a genetics resource techniques—such as CRISPR and a case-by-case basis through its from the U.S. National Library of TALEN—that are increasingly being “Am I Regulated Under 7 CFR part Medicine, CRISPR-Cas9 stands for deployed by plant breeders to 340” process. “clustered regularly interspaced produce new plant varieties,” he said.

8 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 short palindromic repeats and Renee Munasifi, Washington CRISPR-associated protein 9.” representative for the American Soybean Association (ASA), who The resource said CRISPR-Cas9 has specializes in biotechnology, said become a popular genome editing this differentiation needs to start by method because it’s faster, cheaper, how PBIs are described. more accurate and more efficient than other current methods. “I think generally, producers have a great story to tell,” she said. “They “CRISPR-Cas9 was adapted from a need to tell it better—why we use naturally occurring genome editing techniques, biotech or plant breeding system in bacteria,” it said. “The techniques. They can be better bacteria capture snippets of DNA stewards of environment while from invading viruses and use them making safe, affordable products.” Okanagan Specialty Fruits has used gene to create DNA segments known as silencing of polyphenol oxidase in apples to tell CRISPR arrays.” the plants not to brown or rot. Gene silencing Gregoire said USDA’s APHIS recognizes was used on the apple on the right. Photo Credit: Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. These CRISPR arrays let the bacteria the need to better communicate with consumers about biotechnology. remember the viruses, and if the “This is great if you want to keep viruses attack again, the bacteria In fact, he said Congress recently fruit from bruising,” Bobo said. “If produce RNA segments from the appropriated $3 million to fund the apple is dropped, it will have arrays to target the viruses’ DNA. the Agricultural Biotechnology some indentation but won’t bruise. “The bacteria then use Cas9 or a Education and Outreach Initiative, This means there will be less finger similar enzyme to cut the DNA apart, which calls on the USDA and Food bruising for growers, less bruising which disables the virus,” according and Drug Administration (FDA) to at retail and less browning when to the U.S. National Library of collaborate to provide education and slicing the apples for kids.” outreach to the public on agricultural Medicine resource. This spring, the company is adding biotechnology, and food and animal non-browning Fuji apples to its For example, Slutsky said CRISPR- feed ingredients derived from offering of golden and Granny apples Cas9 can allow soybean breeders to biotechnology. silence a gene that makes the plant currently on the market. Bobo said sensitive to a disease. “The goal of this initiative is to 3 to 5 percent of new apple crops provide consumer outreach and planted use Intrexon seeds. “This gene deletion would mean the education through publication Next up, the company is working to plant was no longer sensitive to that and distribution of science- use its gene silencing technology to disease,” she said. based educational information on prevent browning in avocados and Slutsky said it’s also important to the environmental, nutritional, lettuces, he said. mention that this process doesn’t food safety, economic and introduce foreign DNA into a plant; humanitarian impacts of agricultural Another of Intrexon’s subsidiaries, it uses the plant’s own DNA to do biotechnology,” Gregoire said. Oxitec has developed “Friendly the work. Aedes” male mosquitos, which don’t Interesting PBI bite or transmit diseases. When “We’re saying these are breeding applications released, these Aedes aegypti tools,” she said, “Doing much the mosquitos search for wild females same thing breeders have since Jack Bobo, chief communications to mate and their offspring inherit a farmers started selecting the best office and senior vice president for self-limiting gene that causes them crops in their fields hundreds of bioengineering company Intrexon to die before reaching adulthood. years ago.” Corp., said his company has been using genetic engineering in many These mosquitos’ offspring also Differentiating PBIs agricultural applications. inherit a fluorescent marker that allows for better tracking and from GMOs For example, Intrexon’s subsidiary monitoring. They die along with PBIs are different from GMOs, which Okanagan Specialty Fruits has used their offspring so they don’t leave an are transgenic organisms that have gene silencing of polyphenol oxidase ecological footprint. been altered by adding genetic in apples to tell the plants not to rot. material from an unrelated organism. (continued on page 10)

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 9 (continued from page 9) “These salmon grow twice as fast as traditionally farmed salmon and require 20 to 30 percent less feed,” Bobo said.

Bobo said Intrexon also is working on controlling traits in plants such as flowering. For example, the company has figured out how to turn the flowering of the Arabidopsis plant on and off and control flower color as well.

“Applications for this are Salmon eggs pictured. AquaBounty Technologies Inc. uses gene editing to allow its AquAdvantage salmon interesting,” Bobo said. “It could be to reach market size in half the time of conventionally farmed Atlantic salmon. Photo Credit: AquAdvantage applied in alfalfa if you don’t want it to flower for harvesting. Also, alfalfa “This technology is different from Approved for sale by the FDA in pollen can travel a long distance insecticides, which don’t allow November 2015, these genetically and organic growers could lose their for accurate tracking of population enhanced Atlantic salmon reach certification if conventional pollen fluctuation,” Bobo said. market size in half the time of traveled onto their farms.” conventionally farmed Atlantic An additional product that uses Bobo said the company is also salmon. Oxitec’s self-limiting technology and interested in drought-tolerant traits is of interest to soybean growers—an The U.S. currently imports more than that can be easily activated and eco-friendly fall armyworm (FAW) 95 percent of the Atlantic salmon it deactivated. solution—is being developed by consumes from Norway and Chile, “Our technology would turn on drought Intrexon. Bobo said. Because AquAdvantage tolerance only when needed during salmon are produced in the U.S., The self-limiting fall armyworm a drought,” he said. “That would be this reduces production costs and being developed contains a gene pretty exciting. And then you could the carbon footprint associated with passed on by engineered males spray the plants with an activator to current salmon farming operations. that specifically prevents female turn this trait back off or on.” offspring from reaching adulthood, Bobo said AquAdvantage salmon will This could be a breakthrough tech- which reduces wild FAW populations be available once the FDA finalizes nology with 1.2 billion people living and minimizes their ability to spread its labeling guidance for the U.S. in areas with scare water resources. quickly across long distances. market on whether a product has been genetically engineered, which Researchers at the Institute of Plant Originally native to the Americas, is expected by July. The company Biology at the University of Illinois fall armyworm invaded Africa sold its first fish in Canada last year. announced a similar project in in 2016 and rapidly spread to at March, explaining they had modified least 28 countries, causing an AquaBounty Technologies currently a single tobacco plant gene that estimated $13.8 billion in losses of has a facility in Indiana that produces allowed the plant to use 25 percent corn, sorghum, rice and sugarcane, 1,200 metric tons of salmon. less water with fairly normal yields. according to a report from the Center Bobo envisions building a facility for Agriculture and Biosciences That same month, another company, capable of producing 6,000 metric International. Calyxt, which specializes in gene tons of salmon that could be an editing for agricultural products, Another interesting gene-editing investment of $100-150 million and said it planned to launch a high oleic project comes from majority-owned create tens of thousands of jobs. soybean variety later this year. subsidiary of Intrexon, AquaBounty The technology adds a gene from Technologies Inc. and the company’s The company has contracted Pacific salmon, which grow year- AquAdvantage salmon. with 50 farmers in the Midwest, round, in Atlantic salmon that representing more than 10,000 acres usually only grow in the summer planted of this new soybean. and winter, he said.

10 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 The high oleic/low-saturated fat oil advanced breeding technologies, Slutsky said that although there are from this new variety of soybeans Gregoire said. no products of gene editing on the is designed to eliminate the market today, ASTA has been actively “The United States is joining other need for hydrogenation. Because reaching out to the food industry, countries, such as Australia, Argentina, hydrogenation produces trans-fatty discussing how to best communicate Brazil, Canada and Chile in refining acids, the process needed to be to consumers about PBIs. regulatory approaches to new plant changed, as the FDA said human breeding techniques,” he said. She gave the example of researchers food can no longer contain partially using CRISPR to develop low-gluten hydrogenated oils by June 18. Additionally, Gregoire said the wheat, which would be incredibly USDA’s Agricultural Marketing “The vast expansion of Calyxt’s useful for the growing number of Service is working through the high oleic soybean variety, along people with gluten allergies. public rulemaking process required with our strong grower retention under the National Bioengineered year-over-year, signifies important Need leadership to Food Disclosure Law with the goal of advancements in our product increasing consumer confidence and promote PBIs offering as we prepare for the understanding of the foods they buy, On April 25, 2017, President Donald commercial launch of the soybeans while avoiding regulatory ambiguity Trump signed an executive order on later this year,” said Federico for producers. “Promoting Agriculture and Rural Tripodi, Calyxt CEO, in a news Prosperity in America,” under which release. “Calyxt is at the forefront of Munasifi said the industry needs to he established an Interagency Task history when it comes to bringing be more proactive than reactive in Force on Agriculture and Rural to market crops with healthier telling the public about PBIs. Prosperity. characteristics and improved “With GMOs, anti-GMO groups were traceability that consumers want The task force formally presented talking to consumers before the and need, and continuing to its findings and recommendations to industry had a chance to explain cultivate a dedicated, high-quality the president in January, which why they were using GMOs in the grower base in the upper Midwest included increasing public acceptance first place,” she said. region is key to our success.” of biotech products and developing In comparing PBIs with GMOs, a streamlined, science-based Munasifi said, “We’re talking apples regulatory policy for biotechnology. and oranges.” “These recommendations are part Munasifi said it’s also important PBIs of the impetus for our international are embraced so that more food can outreach outlined above, and include be produced to feed the estimated 9 leveraging the tools of modern billion people that will be on Earth technology,” Gregoire said. “As part by 2050. of the follow-up to the task force “PBIs allow growers to do more with recommendations, the USDA will be less,” she said. “In soybeans, land looking into these issues.” for farm production hasn’t increased Gregoire said the USDA is working hard but output has increased. Higher to engage with its trading partners. yields from more targeted growing “Our goal is to foster technological can happen with less water and innovation and remove regulatory Calyxt, which specializes in gene editing for pesticide use.” agricultural products, says it will launch a high hurdles up front, encouraging oleic soybean variety later this year. She added that too stringent regulation domestic and international market Photo Credit: Calyxt of PBIs could limit developer acceptance to the benefit of U.S. Advocating for PBIs competition to only the larger farmers and trade,” he said. companies that can handle the “Through international dialogue we In the past year, USDA officials have expensive research and development will aim to avoid any undesirable traveled tens of thousands of miles required in the plant breeding trade outcomes and ensure that to visit international trading partners process and squeeze out interested U.S. producers have certainty in the and inform the U.S.’s approach to small businesses and universities. global marketplace.” (continued on page 12)

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 11 (continued from page 11) Munasifi said it’s important the However, other countries are is New Zealand, and that stems USDA, FDA and Environmental currently developing their own PBIs. from a court case requiring the Protection Agency, which have government to do so. Take for instance Japan, which has different authorities related to PBIs, poured substantial research dollars “Many countries in South America coordinate their efforts and policies into gene editing for its popular food are putting policies in place that if moving forward. exports such as rice, tomatoes and no foreign DNA is introduced, then “We’ve seen very positive signals tuna, Slutsky said. they aren’t considered GMOs,” she from the administration,” she said. said. “Australia has the same policy. Other areas busy researching plant “Now we need a statement of policy So, lots of countries have stake in how gene editing include China, South for plant breeding innovations and PBIs are viewed compared to GMOs.” America and South Korea. to get folks onboard internationally If consumers are resistant to PBIs to have free flow of goods and Slutsky chairs an International like they were with GMOs, Slutsky technologies. There’s a great Seed Federation working group said the primary impact would be opportunity here to get regulation on this topic, with all continents on plant breeders and losing an on this technology right and do a represented. important tool in their innovation better job getting the message out “Our main goal is to work towards process. This will leave farmers to consumers to avoid the public science-based policies across all without the widest range of varieties relations issues we had with GMOs.” countries,” she said. “We don’t want to plant. Slutsky said the U.S. needs to take country X to decide to regulate PBIs “Hopefully, by the time lots of PBI a leadership role in promoting as GMOs and country Y does not. We products are on the market, we will PBIs, because like GMOs, they think these applications are different have developed a good base of trust are considered an American from traditional GMOs.” with consumers,” she concluded.  technology—as the country is the Currently, Slutsky said the only biggest producer of biotech crops. country that regulates PBIs as GMOs

What if your crops could communicate?

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visit us online: www.nachurs.com/bio-k or call: 800.622.4877 x 255 12 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 © 2018. NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS. All rights reserved. PolicyAt-a-Glance ASA Policy Positions on Biotechnology & Soyfoods

Biotechnology Soyfoods ASA supports Public Law 114-216, the National ASA supports a growing soyfoods market and a continuing Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which sets a commitment to deliver healthy food products made with uniform national standard that preempts the patchwork soy. Soyfoods represents a $4.5 billion market. approach of individual state laws requiring labeling ASA opposes legislation that would restrict the marketing of what is commonly known as genetically modified and branding of soymilk by requiring the Food and Drug organisms or GMOs. The national law requires mandatory Administration (FDA) to preclude the use of the terms disclosure of bioengineered food in accordance with “yogurt,” “milk,” or “cheese” for any item not created regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of using the product obtained from milking hooved animals. Agriculture (USDA). ASA is advocating for USDA to adopt The makers of plant-based foods are in compliance 5 percent as the threshold of bioengineered substance with current FDA regulations by using the “common and What if present to trigger mandatory disclosure, emphasizing usual” name for the products, such as “soymilk.” your crops the purpose of the law is to establish a marketing mechanism, not a food safety standard. USDA is ASA opposes efforts by the Department of Defense to could expected to have regulations finalized by July 2018. restrict soy in military dining. ASA is striving to educate the Department of Defense about the many reasons food communicate? ASA supports the definition of “bioengineering” found companies incorporate healthful, functional, and cost- in Section 291, which excludes modifications that could effective soy protein in meat products. have been obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature, and ASA believes that any rules or ASA supports the soy protein health claim for regulations promulgated by USDA to implement the law heart health, approved by the U. S. Food and Drug should adhere to the statute. Administration (FDA) in 1999. It states that “25 grams ® of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart ASA supports efforts to update the regulatory process or disease.” Numerous scientific studies published before Coordinated Framework for biotech traits provided any and since the health claim was approved show that changes do not disrupt foreign markets and approval soy protein lowers LDL-cholesterol and that the totality procedures by their governments. They would ask for NACHURS Finish Line® of the evidence supports continued approval of an ASA opposes broadening the definition of “products of unqualified claim. FDA’s proposal to revoke the soy • Balanced NPK foliar fertilizer with a unique micronutrient package biotechnology” to include traits derived through plant heart health claim is inconsistent with 12 other • Contains proprietary organic acids and compatibility agents for optimum production efficiency breeding innovations, such as gene editing, which countries that have authorized health claims on soy • Provides a significant return on investment when used on all crops would require them to undergo pre-market approval and protein and heart disease. prevent their widespread adoption in the market. visit us online: www.nachurs.com/bio-k or call: 800.622.4877 x 255 © 2018. NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS. All rights reserved. Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 13 ASA in Action

(Left to right) American Soybean Association (ASA) CEO Ryan Findlay, ASA Secretary Kevin Scott, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, ASA Chairman Ron Moore and ASA Vice (Below) Soybean Leadership College attendees President Davie Stephens meet on the Hill to discuss soybean issues in March. Priority issues included divide into teams for a Jeopardy-type game to trade, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the farm bill and infrastructure. Photo courtesy of Bev Paul explore ag leadership and board expectations. Photo credit: Jordan Bright

North Dakota delegate Eric Broten takes the floor to discuss American Soybean Association (ASA) policy resolutions during the delegates’ session in Anaheim. Photo credit: Steve Dolan

(Above) U.S. soy leaders visited Pakistan for the first time in December. (Left to right) John Motter, chairman of the United Soybean Board’s (USB) Strategic Management Committee; Pam Helmsing, U.S. Soybean Export Council’s (USSEC) acting regional lead; USSEC Country Representative-Pakistan R.S.N. Janjua; and American Soybean Association (ASA) and USSEC Director Monte Peterson inspect U.S. soybeans as they’re bagged for purchase at FAP grain terminal. Photo courtesy of USSEC

14 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 The 2018 class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders includes: James Wray (AR); Rick Dickerson (DE); Soybean farmers representing the American Jonathan Snow (DE); Joshua Plunk (IL); Chris Steele (IN); Chris Gaesser & Shannon Lizakowski (IA); Soybean Association (ASA) and the Ohio Soybean Kevin & Kim Kohls (KS); Jared & Kimy Nash (KS); Clay & Lindsey Wells (KY); Caleb & Jordan Frey (LA); Association (OSA) gathered on Capitol Hill to Walter & Kristen Grezaffi (LA); Brian & Michelle Washburn (MI); Scott & Polly Wilson (MI); Adam & meet with members of the Ohio congressional Melanie Guetter (MN); James Locke (MS); Tyler Clay (MS); Dane Diehl & Erica Wagenknecht (MO); delegation on the importance of trade, renewable Kevin & Heather Kucera (NE); Scott Langemeier (NE); Philip & Lindsay Sloop (NC); Logan Ferry (ND); fuels and the farm bill. Photo courtesy OSA Justin Cowman (OH); Kevin & Brianna Deinert (SD); Jordan & Samantha Scott (SD); Charlie & Bettye Jane Roberts (TN); AJ Teal (TN); Tanner Johnson (WI); Pat & Sheri Mullooly (WI); and Ann & Jeff Vermeersch (Ontario, Canada). Photo Credit: Joe Murphy

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) Vice President Jamie Beyer (left) and American Soybean Association (ASA) Director Kurt Krueger from Minnesota (center) talk trade issues and the upcoming farm bill with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota (right). Photo courtesy MSGA

Farmers from 13 states graduated from the 2017-18 American Soybean American Soybean Association (ASA) Leadership At Its Best program in Washington, D.C. Association (ASA) President The Leadership At Its Best program is sponsored by Syngenta and John Heisdorffer (left) develops leadership, communication and advocacy skills in farmers who talks to U.S. Department have already shown potential to be strong leaders through the positions of Agriculture (USDA) they hold on their state soybean association boards. (Front row, left to Secretary Sonny Perdue right): Jamie Beyer, MN; Derek Helms, AR; Don Holbert, TN; Laura about the impact of soybean Peterson, Syngenta; and Greg Gussiaas, ND. (Back row, left to right): trade with China in Anaheim, Ron Moore, ASA Chairman, IL; Ryan Rhoades, OH; Tim Bardole, IA; Calif. Photo credit: Ryan Andy Alford, KY; James Hereford, AL; Tony Mellenthin, WI; Brett Medlin, Findlay N.C.; Jim Martin, IL; and Gip Carter, MS. Photo credit: Michelle Hummel

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 15 WE ARE U . S. SOYBEAN FARMERS

SUSTAINABILITY NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON

REDUCED TILLAGE

Customers prefer U.S. soy because it’s sustainable. But demands for sustainability continue rising. Adopting a common practice like reducing tillage to control erosion and increase organic matter is another step forward in improving your sustainable footprint. Show your commitment to sustainability with a free truck magnet available at unitedsoybean.org/sustainability

16 I American Soybean I Spring 2018

Untitled-2 3 3/14/18 12:31 PM Soy Checkoff News from the United Soybean Board Soy Checkoff Helps Farmers Seize Profit Opportunities in Sustainability

ustainability may be a word This can be an overwhelming can improve their environmental Syou’re hearing more and more concept to think about, but it’s also sustainability,” observes Smith. “But these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s very exciting. Our world is evolving these are also ways farmers can a new concept. Farmers have been every day, and every day, new improve their financial sustainability. incorporating sustainable practices opportunities to improve our ways of A CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) who into their operations for years. How living present themselves to us. specializes in sustainability can else would multi-generational farms identify these cost-saving practices to Incorporating on-farm sustainability exist and stay profitable today? reduce expenses while also helping practices will become increasingly the farmer document the practices “You could make an argument important in the future. so he can market his sustainability that any operation in existence for “It’s going to keep growing as major down the road.” more than a generation or two is companies come together to focus sustainable,” comments Chad Lee, Together, these factors make it on sustainability,” says Luther Smith, Ph.D., an extension agronomist at the so farmers can’t afford not to be director of professional development University of Kentucky. “These farms sustainable. and business relations for the must be doing something successfully American Society of Agronomy, the to remain profitable.” Soil Science Society of America and Even so, the word “sustainable,” the Crop Science Society of America. and its many variations, conjures Field to Market is a great example of up different ideas and emotions organizations doing just that. among farmers, and not all of them An alliance of the supply and value As an alliance of the supply and value chains, are positive. “Recently, the term Field to Market has a goal to meet the demand sustainability has made many chains, Field to Market’s goal is to for sustainability grown commodities. farmers nervous,” says Lee. meet the demand for sustainably grown commodities. McDonald’s, Some believe sustainability requires General Mills, Kellogg’s and Walmart Guiding farmers to drastic change. Some think it will are just a few major brands that are sustainability goals take major investments. And others members of this alliance, showing see sustainability as a fad that’s here While most U.S. soybeans are grown their dedication to continuous today but will be gone tomorrow. in a sustainable manner, because sustainability improvement. end users have options, continuous While it’s true that there’s no “one- This level of involvement is improvement is a must. size-fits-all” version of sustainability a testament to the future of across operations and climates, the “Companies are demanding sustainability. other truths about sustainability are green chemistry now,” says Greg that it’s achievable, worthwhile and Brands like Unilever and The Gibson, president of Synalloy here to stay. Coca-Cola Company are just two Chemicals, a chemical producer examples of companies committed and toll manufacturer. Many of The changing world of to making the sustainability switch. these companies are committing to sustainability Commitments like these impact U.S. sustainability, however, definitions of farmers by increasing demand for sustainability and expectations vary. The majority of today’s grade-school sustainable soy. Corporate sustainability reports by students will eventually work in jobs supply chain members are making that haven’t even been invented yet. And while increased demand affects the long-term profitability of U.S. it possible to define expectations at That means for every little boy or girl soybean farmers, increasing on-farm every link. These enable farmers to who dreams of becoming a farmer, sustainability efforts can also have a understand what customers want, firefighter or football player, there more immediate return. focus on continuous improvement are at least three more kids who will and deliver what is expected from grow up to be something that was “Reducing water use and fuel meal and oil to grow demand for never a Halloween costume. consumption are both ways farmers U.S. soybeans. (continued on page 18)

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 17 (continued from page 17)

Here are some highlights of a few tools for use in developing plans corporate sustainability reports. to optimize fertilizer and tilling practices in soy crop rotations. ƒƒ American Bakers Association Walmart’s pilot optimization members developed a program includes 2.5 million Sustainability Scorecard that acres, which they say has the enables members to calculate potential to reduce greenhouse sustainability of production gas by 2.3 million tons. practices, landfill waste, total energy use and water usage. Helping farmers share These benchmarks help members identify where they can become their sustainability stories more sustainable, and provide It’s an undeniable fact: consumers an opportunity to compare love technology. From smart and demonstrate production phones to fitness trackers to DVRs, advantages of U.S. soy to technology has become ingrained stimulate demand. in our daily lives.

ƒƒ ADM recently partnered with But are consumers equally accepting Unilever, the World Wildlife Fund, of technology in agriculture? The the United Soybean Board, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Iowa Soybean Association and (USFRA) conducts an annual Field to Market to ensure the survey to capture such consumer GPS and precision technology in farm soybean oil used in Unilever’s perceptions, because this audience equipment allow farmers to use pinpoint Hellmann’s Mayonnaise brand accuracy when applying fertilizer and pesticides. ultimately impacts food companies’ Photo courtesy of United Soybean Board is sustainably sourced. Growers marketing decisions. The 2017 survey enrolled in the program analyze found that technology in agriculture USFRA is helping to fill this how their management practices is perceived positively. information gap by showcasing impact operational efficiency and Approximately half of Consumer farmers’ sustainability practices natural resources, and report Food Connectors, which are and use of technology through the findings that satisfy Unilever top influencers in shaping food SMART Farm platform. sustainability requirements, conversations, associate increased which builds and sustains This concept brings agriculture’s yields (55 percent) and increased demand for their crops story, featuring real U.S. farmers, to efficiency (49 percent) with the use consumers and end users at trade ƒƒ Bunge believes all agricultural of advanced technology of farms show events (like the Consumer value chains should be and ranches. From GPS technology Electronics Show and Sustainable environmentally sustainable. and precision techniques, to animal Brands), on social media and a They created business polices to nutrition trackers and indoor housing 360-video experience. eliminate deforestation, employed monitoring, these methods can help In turn, the United Soybean Board test methods that incorporate farmers boost sustainable practices. carbon and biodiversity protections, will continue sharing agriculture’s Unbeknownst to many consumers or and they are enhancing the story to feed and food companies even food companies, advances in traceability and transparency to show how technology allows agricultural technology now allow of key supply chains over time. farmers to be more sustainable farmers to grow more food on less Sustainable farming practices while continuously improving the land and use pinpoint accuracy when  of U.S. soybean farmers position food supply. applying fertilizer, water and pesticides. them as a preferred supplier. It is critical to show customers how ƒƒ Walmart collaborated with 15 the technology used on farms and large suppliers, representing ranches directly benefits people and 30 percent of their food and the planet alike, in order to sustain beverage sales in North America, demand for our products. to provide farmers with data and

18 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 WE ARE U . S. SOYBEAN FARMERS

SUSTAINABILITY NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON

COVER CROPS

Customers prefer U.S. soy because it’s sustainable. But demands for sustainability continue rising. Adopting a common practice like planting a cover crop to slow runoff and increase soil organic matter is another step forward in improving your sustainable footprint. Show your commitment to sustainability with a free truck magnet available at unitedsoybean.org/sustainability

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 19

Untitled-2 7 3/14/18 12:33 PM Farmers ‘Grow Beyond’ at Commodity Classic in Anaheim

(From left to right): American Soybean Association (ASA) American Soybean Association (ASA) Director and Commodity Directors George Goblish, Bill Raben and Gerry Hayden pick up Classic Co-Chair Gerry Hayden (third from right) celebrates as their packets at registration before Commodity Classic begins. he cuts the ribbon to mark the grand opening of the 2018 event. Photo credit: Steve Dolan Photo credit: Steve Dolan

American Soybean Association (ASA) President John Heisdorffer (From left to right): American Soybean Association (ASA) Past (center) discusses top soybean policy issues for 2018 with emcee President Ray Gaesser playfully grabs ASA Past President Mark Mayfield (right) during the General Session of Commodity Johnny Dodson’s sunglasses as he considers a bid called out Classic in Anaheim. Photo credit: Steve Dolan by auctioneer/ASA Director Eric Maupin and spotter John Buck during the annual ASA Soy Social and Auction. Photo credit: Steve Dolan

20 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 Agri-Pulse’s Spencer Chase (left) interviews American Soybean U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue Association (ASA) Washington Representative John Gordley (right) shakes hands with Cole Kremer, son of American Soybean at the ASA booth during Commodity Classic. Top issues for ASA in Association (ASA) Director Brad Kremer, as soy grower leaders 2018 include trade agreements, infrastructure improvements and showed Secretary Perdue around the Commodity Classic trade the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Photo credit: Steve Dolan show floor in Anaheim. Photo credit: Steve Dolan

American Soybean Association (ASA) President John Heisdorffer During the Night of Entertainment, ASA Director Wade Cowan (left) presents Dr. E. James Dunphy (right) with the Pinnacle (left) joins fellow Joint Venture Commodity Classic Committee Award during the annual ASA Awards Banquet at Commodity member Martin Barbre (right) in throwing T-shirts to pump up the Classic in Anaheim, Calif on Feb. 28. Credit: Joe Murphy crowd for next year’s show. Photo credit: Steve Dolan

Save the Date!

Commodity Classic has something for the whole family, including a play area on the trade show floor that allows kids to take a break from exhibits and explore. Photo credit: Steve Dolan

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 21 SoyFutures Striking the Right Chord I By Dan Lemke Family business focuses “All of the crops grown on our farm on conventional markets are non-GMO, and we did that for economic reasons,” Moore said. “With As a trained musician, Andrew Moore the processing we have, we could add knows the importance of making value to our own crop because there diverse features work together in was demand for non-GMO products.” harmony. For more than a decade, Moore said initial feed demand came Moore and his family have put those for livestock farmers seeking non- same concepts into practice on their GMO poultry and hog rations for both Resaca, Ga., farm through several farrowing and finishing. Recently, value-added enterprises focused on there has been growth in beef cattle conventional crops. Andrew Moore, a farmer from Resaca, Ga., says while growing non-GMO crops isn’t for everyone, feed demand. Moore’s grandfather Gus established the model works well for his family and he thinks they will continue to be sustainable. The processing and crop production Moore’s Seed and Grain Farms in Photo courtesy of Andrew Moore work in harmony. Moore said the 1955. His sons, Joe and Tim Moore, farm rotates seven crops every five joined the family farm full-time in family operation. Moore joined his years, producing corn, wheat, oats, the early 1970s and helped grow father Joe, grandfather and uncle in barley, grain sorghum, sunflowers, the operation. They raised cattle, the family business in 2008 and now soybeans and canola. He said the broilers and hogs, and made feed serves as Resaca Sun general manager. family raised biotech crops for nearly for the livestock from their own Not long after his return, the Moore two decades before realizing their crops. Moore’s Seed and Grain Farms family saw another opportunity and market opportunity was in growing also produced and bagged certified expanded their operation into feed and processing conventional crops. soybean seed and increased their production, forming Resaca Sun row crop capacity to over 4,500 acres Feeds in 2011. The move opened Resaca Sun is Non-GMO Project of double crop production. more doors as over 90 percent of Verified, and all the seeds they process are sourced either from their In 2006, the Moore family expanded the raw ingredients used in Resaca own farm or from farmers within 30 their business and began processing Sun Feeds’ non-genetically modified miles of the Resaca plant, in nearby oilseeds. They founded Resaca Sun (GMO) feeds are sourced from Moore’s areas of Georgia, Tennessee and Products, an expeller-pressed oil mill. Seed and Grain Farms and Resaca Alabama. Resaca Sun’s oil, meal and Resaca Sun processes non-genetically Sun Products. modified soybeans, canola and high oleic sunflowers into oil and meal. When first established, Resaca Sun could process 10-12 tons of oilseeds per day, but capacity was expanded to 50-60 tons per day in 2009. Key decisions After earning degrees in vocal music and psychology, Moore taught special education for five years before returning to the farm to become the While there are market opportunities for identity preserved, non-GMO and organic crops, Moore says it requires increased management. Photo courtesy of Andrew Moore third generation involved with the

22 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 feed products are sent to customers spread from Florida to Virginia. They also do some toll processing for farmers in the region. A challenging course The Moores recognized the importance of knowing where and how their feeds and feed ingredients were produced. Moore said in some ways, raising genetically-modified crops would have made things easier. He added he has nothing against biotechnology or those who raise GM crops, but for Resaca Sun and the Moore family, it was a business decision to plant conventional crops. Four generations of Moores live, work and play on the family farm established by Gus Moore in Resaca, “I’m an advocate for agriculture,” Ga. in 1955. Front row (left to right): Gus Moore; Joseph Moore and Andrew Moore. Back row (left to Moore said. “If consumers have the right): Tim Moore, Jacob Moore and Joe Moore. Photo courtesy of Andrew Moore money to buy a product, someone is going to produce it.” where their food comes from,” Moore Moore added focusing on non- said. “There’s a push by a lot of GMO products and developing new Because Resaca Sun is non-GMO consumers to get back to the farm marketing opportunities isn’t for verified, they focus on preventing without actually being a farmer. I everyone. He said time is a factor, cross-contamination. Moore said can’t blame them for asking questions plus it requires space, separate they have about 1 million bushels about their food.” storage facilities and testing of bin storage to keep all the crops capabilities to ensure the crop’s separated. Being non-GMO verified Not for the faint identity is preserved. requires additional record keeping. Moore said there are market Resaca Sun has one staff person “The markets may be available, but opportunities for identity preserved, dedicated to filling out all the you have to develop them,” Moore non-GMO and organic crops, but it required documentation. said. “The closer you can get to the requires increased management. end user, the better, but working with The decision to plant conventional Although the Moores have been at it identity preserved or organic products crops was driven by customers. for decades, the path hasn’t always does add to the headaches. For us Moore said being located between been easy. processing the non-GMO crops is time several large population centers like “It’s working for us, now, and our consuming and it has made things Chattanooga, Tennessee and Atlanta, longevity is helped by the fact we’re more difficult, but we have added Georgia means there are plenty of in a positive location between two value to what we’re growing, and the consumers who are highly conscious large urban areas. There’s high market continues to increase. We feel about the food they’re buying. The demand for added value poultry and our business model works well for us attention means the livestock farmers other products,” Moore said. and will continue to be sustainable.”  Resaca Sun serves demand the same transparency from the ingredients they’re feeding. Do you know someone who represents the diverse, changing face of agriculture “We’re located in an area where that should be featured in Soy Futures? If so, send an email to [email protected]. the customer is demanding to know

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 23 Issue Update Reform of Biotechnology Regulation Moves Forward I By Renée Munasifi armers are no strangers to transgenic biotechnology and genetic gene-edited plants, arguing that Fthe double-edged sword of modification in that it introduces applications of gene-editing like PBIs regulation. The regulatory systems no foreign DNA into the breeding should not be required to receive pre- at the federal and the state levels process, is a technology that many in market regulatory approval because simultaneously provide barriers to the industry say is the next big thing they are low-risk and similar to farmer innovation and a framework on the horizon for agriculture. These plants found in nature or developed to objectively confirm that farmers modern techniques are the natural through traditional breeding are operating in accordance with evolution of traditional breeding techniques. federal and state laws. They are at methods using a more targeted Then, in November 2017, APHIS times both a headache and a security and precise tool. The question for announced that the agency would blanket. Nowhere is the dual nature federal regulators is how—or if—the withdraw the proposed Part 340 of regulation more apparent than government should regulate this rule and reengage with stakeholders in the case of biotechnology. The technology as compared to older on a new rule. This development very nature of the biotechnology methods or first-generation biotech highlights the paradox of regulation: sector centers on innovation, which counterpart technologies. while farmers benefit from a requires a reduction in barriers to As part of that effort, APHIS proposed regulatory framework that does not thrive, but in today’s marketplace, a rule in January 2017 to reform impede innovation, they still rely on the sector cannot operate without an Part 340 of the Plant Protection a functioning and transparent system objective and predictable regulatory Act to modernize the approval of of regulation. Without a new Part 340 framework. biotech traits. On the same day, FDA rule in place, as flawed as it may have Currently, that regulatory framework published a Request for Information been, there is a missed opportunity for biotechnology is split between (RFI) on the regulation of gene- to modernize and streamline the three federal agencies: the U.S. edited plants, asking for input on regulations governing biotechnology Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) any associated risks. FDA’s Center for that have remained largely the same Animal and Plant Health Inspection Veterinary Medicine (CVM) published for over three decades. A new rule Service (APHIS), the Food and Drug another proposal that would expand can also clarify what is not regulated Administration (FDA) and the U.S. the agency’s regulatory scope to which, as ASA argued, should include Environmental Protection Agency include regulation of gene-edited plant varieties developed through (EPA). New biotechnology traits are animals. gene-editing that could have been regulated and approved under the developed through more traditional The American Soybean Association Coordinated Framework developed by breeding methods or found in nature. (ASA) supported the positive these three agencies in the 1980s. message in the Part 340 proposal The association has pressed the As the industry evolves, and the regarding certain gene-editing Trump Administration to send a technology farmers depend on techniques like PBIs, however positive message on the future of evolves even more rapidly, the ASA’s comments reflected the gene-editing and the regulatory regulatory framework has scrambled need to significantly revise the environment, as well as engage on to keep pace, evidenced now by rest of the rule regarding biotech these issues internationally, where the ongoing discussion over the regulations because as written, it the public perception of gene editing regulation of certain types of would have stifled innovation and and PBIs already faces a headwind of gene editing, like plant breeding increased the regulatory burden on misinformation. While activists claim innovations (PBIs). PBIs, which the agriculture industry. ASA also technology like CRISPR-Cas9 are are materially different from provided comments on FDA’s RFI on simply GMOs (genetically modified

24 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques as long as they are not plant pests or developed using plant pests.”

The administration’s statement distinguishing new techniques, like plant breeding innovation from transgenic biotechnology is exactly the science and risk-based approach that ASA has advocated for. It will allow farmers, small businesses, researchers, and others the exciting opportunity to pursue new and advanced ways to grow our food, organisms) version 2.0, PBIs are not the department presented a report fight plant pests and disease, reduce GMOs, and the industry will benefit from the Interagency Task Force on reliance of fertilizers and other significantly if we are proactive Agriculture and Rural Prosperity resources, and respond to consumer in educating consumers on the which urges the administration to demands to reduce impacts to the difference in these two technologies promote innovation and develop environment. We still have a lot of and how improving technologies in a more harmonized Coordinated work to do, both in modernizing our agriculture can benefit the consumer Framework for the regulation of regulatory system and educating the and the environment. biotech. And, on March 28, 2018, public on innovation in agriculture. USDA issued a statement saying, ASA will continue to engage on these USDA is currently engaged on the “USDA does not regulate or have any issues as they move forward.  issue, however, and on Jan. 8, 2018, plans to regulate plants that could

“Plant breeding innovations (PBIs), which are materially different from transgenic biotechnology and genetic modification in that it introduces no foreign DNA into the breeding process, is a technology that many in the industry say is the next big thing on the horizon for agriculture. These modern techniques are the natural evolution of traditional breeding methods using a more targeted and precise tool. The question for federal regulators is how—or if—the government should regulate this technology as compared to older methods or first-generation biotech counterpart technologies.” – Renee Munasifi, ASA Washington Representative

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 25 #SoyLeaders Check out what’s trending and what members of the soy family are sharing on social media.

Trending # #Plant18 #RebuildRural #TradeTuesday #NAFTAWorks It was great catching up with fellow soybean growers and discussing policy that will affect the trajectory of 5 Farmers to Follow the industry. @ASA_Soybeans @KremerBrad See farmers who are posting photos @Kylebridge and videos of what’s happening on their farm and sharing policy information important to soy growers. @waltonagseed @bret_davfarms There are 569,998 U.S. @JESteinkamp soybean farmers. That’s @DelmarvaCropQn a whole lot of wisdom @SHAF55 and experience working together to move the industry forward. #FarmersLead #AgDay2018 Follow the American @UnitedSoy Soybean Association on:

/AmericanSoybeanAssociation You know what’s crazy cool?! Cover crops!! @ASA_Soybeans This is not the modern

farming you hear @AmericanSoybeanAssociation about it, but this is

actual modern farming. /AmericanSoybeanAssoc Connecting old school practices, with new school science to increase our environmental stewardship and decrease our footprint! #covercrops

@UptownFarms

26 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 Industry Perspective Biotech: Greater Precision, Broader Choice

By Candace Krebs

Firms large and small are enthusiastic about what the latest biotechnology developments mean for their farmer customers.

“We can now analyze every single gene in a plant with sequencing and mapping technologies,” lauded Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Robb Fraley while Robb Fraley, chief Federico Tripodi, chief technology officer, executive officer, Calyxt speaking to farmers in Iowa earlier this year. “We’ve also Monsanto computerized a lot of the breeding combinations, and we’re using artificial intelligence to actually predict which combinations will create the best hybrids.”

Gene editing, already widely used in pharmaceuticals, snips out genes but doesn’t introduce new genetic material so technically it’s not considered a genetically modified organism. That speeds up regulatory approvals, reduces Dave Perry, chief executive David Thompson, national development costs and potentially allows for greater officer, Indigo Ag marketing and sales director, public acceptance. Stine Seed Company

That shift is enticing more investment in the crop incorporating them into its distinctive blue seed coating. biotechnology space. Like Calyxt, Indigo bundles its genetic innovation with “On one hand we’re seeing lots of investments in new identity-preserved marketing to connect farmers directly startups and thousands of new companies,” Fraley said. with end-users. “At the same time we’re seeing established companies “Instead of asking farmers to pay us upfront for our seed doing new combinations that will up their game and allow treatment, we ask them to pay us a fixed amount of their them to invest in the future.” production per acre post-harvest,” Perry said.

Boutique firm Calyxt will be one of the first to bring a gene- Increased activity in the area of gene discovery also has edited product to the marketplace with its low saturated positive implications for traditional seed breeding firms fat soybeans. A high fiber wheat is also in the pipeline. like Iowa-based Stine Seed Company. CEO Federico Tripodi said the new tools are allowing his company to make popular food products healthier. “We are actually the buyer and the seller both, depending on the trait,” explained David Thompson, Stine’s national “The vast expansion of Calyxt’s high oleic soybean variety, marketing and sales director. “We have a huge bank of along with our strong grower retention year-over-year, corn and soybean germplasm, and because of that, we signifies important advancements in our product offering are often sought out by companies with traits of interest, as we prepare for the commercial launch of the soybeans particularly on the soybean side. There are all kinds of later this year,” Tripodi said. gene discovery firms out there, but when they identify Indigo Ag is another start-up that is using gene that special gene, they don’t have the high performing sequencing to create advanced plant microbials. Indigo germplasm to put it into, or a way to test it in the field, or a CEO Dave Perry explains that his company’s target path to the market. We offer all the rest of the pieces of the isendophytes—the little bugs that make up the microbiome puzzle. I think what it all adds up to is more grower choice, of the plant—identifying the healthiest ones and then which ultimately is good for agriculture as a whole.” 

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 27 SoyWORLD WISHH Develops U.S. Soy Market in Myanmar, Cambodia

oymilk and tofu manufacturers Gast, who farms near Valley City, through availability of higher-quality S in Myanmar and Cambodia are N.D., joined WISHH in meetings with soyfoods like tofu,” he said. preparing for their first product trials companies that will evaluate the U.S. USDA analysis found that Myanmar, using shipments of U.S. food-grade soy. He also witnessed the markets sometimes called Burma, and soybeans. for U.S. soy in food as well as feed, Cambodia are home to growing including aquaculture feed. Thanks to support from the U.S. middle-income consumer segments. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Myanmar has 53 million people Quality Samples Program, the and Cambodia’s population is 15.7 American Soybean Association million. Together, the two countries’ (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in populations are nearly 11 times as Human Health (WISHH) facilitated large as the combined population of a shipment of 14 metric tons of U.S. North Dakota and Minnesota, where food-grade soybeans for full-scale the soybeans used in the trials were trials in soy milk and tofu. Following grown. a competitive bidding process, The U.S. Soybean Export Council three Northern Food Grade Soybean WISHH program committee member Matt Gast (USSEC) has cultivated growth in the Association (NFGSA) members shipped (second from left) and ASA/WISHH Asia Division Director Alan Poock (far left) met with multiple use of U.S. soybean meal for livestock the seven varieties of high-quality food company representatives in Myanmar and and aquaculture feed in Myanmar. soybeans for the trials by soy milk Cambodia. ASA/WISHH has cultivated their interest in U.S. soy for its quality and other and tofu companies that WISHH has benefits so the companies are enthusiastic about “Our work in Myanmar shows how conducting trials with U.S. food grade soybeans. U.S. soybean growers have a unified worked with in the two countries. Photo courtesy of WISHH market development strategy through The North Dakota Soybean Council the work of WISHH, USSEC and (NDSC) supported WISHH’s activities, “Cambodia and Myanmar are USDA,” Gast said. which resulted in the companies’ significant opportunities for U.S. soy interest in U.S. soybeans for the WISHH connects trade and to meet their growing demand for premium products they’re developing. development. As a trailblazer for high-quality soybeans,” Gast said. “I NDSC is also providing funding to trade, WISHH grows markets for met company representatives who see send Northern Crops Institute Food U.S. soy farmers, and at the same U.S. soy’s value because it will allow Scientist Food Scientist Zach Liu, time, improves lives and economic them to produce a higher-quality Ph.D., to train staff at the companies opportunities in developing countries. product and avoid the cleaning and conducting the trials. WISHH works with international sorting required to remove stones companies and organizations that WISHH program committee member and debris from their current supply.” purchase U.S. soy. These buyers Matt Gast met the manufacturers as Gast added USDA’s support of WISHH’s invest thousands of their own dollars they prepared for product trials. The activities in these countries is an to research and promote soy-based experience showcased how USDA’s important partnership with North foods and feeds made with U.S. soy Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Dakota soybean checkoff investments. in emerging markets. Over the last programs complement ASA/WISHH’s five years, WISHH leveraged soybean state soybean checkoff funding to “Together, we are connecting trade farmer checkoff investments by a enable WISHH to trail blaze new and development in Myanmar and ratio of more than 6 to 1.  markets for long-term soy trade in Cambodia, which will also benefit growing economies. 28 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 Sustainability Sustainability Trendsetter: Tennessee Farmer Works Many Angles

By Barb Baylor Anderson

David Womack has spent his career them in the gullies to stop the water.” as a cutting-edge soybean farmer He added he never liked to cultivate. and industry leader. While the Shelbyville, Tenn. producer has “Farmers are conservationists,” he retired from row crop production, he said. “We depend on the soil for our still runs a few cows and remains profitability. The only time my son an advocate for promoting soybean disks the soil now is to smooth it industry sustainability on many fronts. out and plant cover crops as another sustainable practice. All of the crops “I started no-tilling soybeans in 1973 are still no-till.” when it was a relatively new concept. My dad told me he didn’t think it Womack said his son has only would work,” Womack said. “At first, enhanced the farm’s sustainability it didn’t work. But we learned a lot of using modern equipment and lessons along the way and were able computers. David Jr. placed second to profitably no-till soybeans after in the no-till, non-irrigated corn class yield competition in 2017, some trial and error.” David Womack is a long-time believer that only-one-and-a-half bushels below promoting markets overseas in Asia and other Farming longevity runs in the veins. the category winner’s yield. areas contributes to the sustainability of U.S. The Womacks have farmed in the soybean production. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) area since 1936, first with a grade “That is proof no-till still works profitably. With better chemicals, it is A dairy, beef cattle, hog production Development Foundation and the successful,” Womack said. and row crops. The Womacks left the National Biodiesel Board. dairy and hog business about 1980, Womack tells others that sustainability and stuck with soybeans, corn and is also profitability. “If you can make “Seeing research we helped fund wheat and the cow-calf operation. a profit, then you should grow it,” he over the years have practical use They still have some cattle. Fourth- said. “My advice to farmers is to try on our farm is a pleasure,” he said. generation David Jr. now raises the a new sustainable practice on a few “But sustainability extends beyond corn and soybeans. acres only because input costs are so just profitable production practices. I was on the board when we first “When we first tried no-till, like most high. You can’t make many mistakes developed biodiesel to use up new things, we farmers shared ideas and stay in business.” surplus soybean oil. That is also and attended no-till field days. We For more than 30 years, Womack has sustainability. And now export looked to the University of Tennessee been involved in soybean research markets are just as critical. Soybean for advice,” Womack said. “We did and promotion. He was a director for associations and checkoff programs not have the chemical arsenal then the Tennessee Soybean Association have helped develop export markets, to manage no-till. Conservation and Tennessee Soybean Promotion and we must continue to grow those included stopping soil erosion by Board, as well as for the United opportunities.”  cutting up cedar bushes and putting Soybean Board, American Soybean

“I started no-tilling soybeans in 1973 when it was a relatively new concept. My dad told me he didn’t think it would work.”– David Womack, Tennessee Farmer

Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 29 SoyForward What is Gene Editing, and Why is it Different? By Andrew W. LaVigne

t’s hard to read the news these So what exactly is gene editing? Particular to soybeans, this research Idays without coming across stories First and foremost, it’s important involves increased nutritional content, on gene editing or CRISPR. With to start with the history of plant built-in disease resistance, and revolutionary applications for humans, breeding. Today, with an increased improved oil quality, without the years plants and animals, it has the understanding of genetics, and the and years of trial and error it takes to potential to change plant breeding as capability to sequence plant genomes get there through traditional breeding, we know it today. But what exactly is and link a specific gene to a specific and without the introduction of it, and maybe more importantly, what characteristic, plant scientists are able outside DNA that comes along with is it not? As the representative of the to improve plants more precisely and GMOs. These are more than just U.S. seed industry, the American Seed efficiently than ever before. Evolving concepts; real research is going on in Trade Association (ASTA) is keenly methods like gene editing allow us to these and other areas right now. interested in gene editing in the achieve the same end-result as more However, in order to fully realize these context of plant breeding innovation. traditional plant breeding methods, and other exciting possibilities, and to but in a more targeted way—allowing While our industry is extremely ensure the widespread use of evolving scientists to forgo multiple cycles of diverse, we have one fundamental plant breeding methods—including plant selection from a population of thing in common: we are grounded by researchers at public universities thousands of individual plants and in innovation and science. Plant and smaller companies—we need a move to testing elite lines sooner. breeders are problem-solvers, domestic and international policy continually working to address new What is it not? In simple terms, gene climate that encourages continued and emerging challenges to meet edited crops largely aren’t GMOs. innovation. Seed is the foundation of the needs of farmers, consumers These methods build on what plant life and better seed means better life— and the environment. Plant scientists have been doing for for everyone.  breeding innovation holds exciting years. And unlike most applications opportunities for our industry. of bioengineering, these methods can work within the plant’s family, But this innovation didn’t happen using the plant’s own natural repair overnight. Plant breeding dates back processes and no foreign DNA in the thousands of years to when people final plant product. first domesticated wild plants. Since then, scientists’ understanding of Right now, plant breeders are involved agriculture has continued to progress. in research using innovative breeding We made incredible breakthroughs in methods to address real challenges the 20th century in understanding the in row crops, vegetables and specialty mechanics of genetics—DNA, the crops to better meet the needs of genetic code, and how to read whole farmers, consumers, and the genomes. Each advance has increased environment. our efficiency in breeding better crops. Andrew LaVigne Andrew LaVigne is the president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. For more, visit seedinginnovation.org.

30 I American Soybean I Spring 2018 Spring 2018 I American Soybean I 31 Policy makers take notice of ASA.

It’s a 24-7 job we are proud to do for U.S. soybean farmers.

The American Soybean Association is in Washington, DC:

• Protecting soybean interests in the farm bill • Fighting against burdensome EPA regulations • Growing soybean trade opportunities That’s why ASA matters.

Joining your state soybean association supports ASA’s work in Washington, DC. | Visit ASA at Soygrowers.com

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