Complete Story
08/17/2006
Ohio Soybean Association Celebrates 40 Years of Success
Contact: Jamie Mossbarger
Communications Director
888-769-6446
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2006
Ohio Soybean Association Celebrates 40 Years of Success
Columbus, OH Today, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) celebrates 40 years of serving the legislative interests of Ohio soybean farmers at the national and state levels. Founded on August 17, 1966, OSA has established itself as a leading grassroots and policy organization that serves as a legislative voice for its 2,000 plus members and works cooperatively with other state commodity organizations for the betterment of Ohio agriculture.
At the national level, the American Soybean Association has worked on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers for 85 years implementing policies that impact the soybean industry nationally and globally. OSA prides itself on the relationship it has established with ASA over the past four decades and will continue its proactive work with the organization in future years. Additionally, three OSA farmer leaders represent Ohio as board members for ASA, ensuring Ohio's legislative interests are considered at the federal level.
"The Ohio Soybean Association has greatly contributed to the success of the American Soybean Association with a strong grassroots membership and outstanding leaders," said ASA Chief Executive Officer Steve Censky. "In addition to the many representatives it has sent to the ASA Board, five growers from Ohio have become president of the Association. Without the guidance of leaders such as J.B. Park, G.G. McIlroy, David Wing, John Sawyer and Tony Anderson, the ASA would not be the dynamic organization it is today."
Over the past four decades, OSA has witnessed legislative success and advancements through numerous policy actions relating to trade negotiations, overseas markets, soybean research, farm bills and federal budget appropriations.
"Most recently, much success has come in the areas of soy biodiesel and transportation and infrastructure," says John Lumpe, OSA executive director.
In July, OSA championed Ohio's first-ever biofuels legislation when Governor Taft signed House Bill 245 into law. OSA in cooperation with the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Clean Fuels Ohio and the Ohio Department of Agriculture worked to pass this legislation that will increase the availability of soy biodiesel and E-85 through the Alternative Fuels Transportation Grant Program.
HB 245 also requires the Department of Administrative Services to ensure that all new motor vehicles purchased by the state are capable of using alternative fuels.
With lobbying efforts from OSA and ASA, in 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the federal JOBS creation act which included the biodiesel tax credit. This tax credit offers a dollar per gallon credit for biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel. Since the enactment of this legislation, soy biodiesel usage has increased tremendously and today, more than ever, fleets, transit systems and farmers are using soy biodiesel.
After recent congressional visits from OSA farmer leaders in Washington D.C., the Senate finally passed the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA), a measure that has taken significant lobbying efforts and previously passed the House last October. WRDA is expected to be signed by the president later this year.
WRDA will provide funding for construction of seven new locks and other improvements on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Passage of this legislation is extremely important for the transport of U.S. soybeans and will serve as a benefit to Ohio soybean farmers.
"Barge transportation on these waterways is not only the most economical means of transportation; it is also the most environmentally friendly way to move U.S. soybeans to foreign and domestic markets," says Lumpe. "Over 75% of U.S. soybean exports move to world ports via the upper Mississippi and Illinois River systems."
Not only have legislative victories been top of mind for OSA but membership recruitment continues to be an important tool in order for OSA to accomplish its goals. For the past nine years, OSA has been nationally recognized for meeting its annual membership goal.
"Membership is such an important part of what we do," says Mark Watkins, OSA vice president of membership and Hardin County soybean farmer. "If we do not have the support of our members it would be difficult to accomplish our goals. OSA members are what have made our organization what it is today and have allowed us to celebrate 40 great years."
The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 23-member volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.
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