Washington, DC
October 25, 2007
Provision may include
low-linolenic and other soybeans
When making planting decisions,
farmers must balance the yields of new technology against good
risk management considerations. Today the U.S. Senate introduced
its version of the 2007 Farm Bill, which includes a provision
that will help farmers manage risk while taking advantage of new
soybean traits that can produce healthier foods.
The Commodity Quality Incentive Program (CQIP) provision,
introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), is a provision that will
provide incentives to reduce the cost to farmers of growing
oilseeds that can benefit public health, like low-linolenic
soybeans.
"QUALISOY, an industry
initiative charged with introducing improved soybean traits to
the marketplace, has led the effort to develop CQIP for
inclusion in the 2007 Farm Bill, and has engaged the leadership
and expertise of the American Soybean Association (ASA) to have
the program included in both the House and Senate versions of
the bill," Curt Sindergard said. Sindergard is an Iowa farmer,
QUALISOY Legislative Working Group chair and ASA director.
Preserving the identity of enhanced-quality soybeans requires
segregation in the field, storage and transportation. This can
discourage farmers from growing these soybeans, despite high
demand from the food industry, consumers and government
organizations that all want to make the food we eat healthier.
Oilseed crops that will qualify for CQIP funding may include
low-linolenic and increased-oleic acid soybean traits, which
reduce or eliminate the need for hydrogenation, the process that
causes trans fats to form. Soybeans that produce heart-healthy
oils with reduced saturated fats or increased omega-3 fats will
also likely qualify. CQIP will protect farmers and encourage
trial of these new varieties by providing payments directly to
farmers who grow them in the first four years of plantings.
"Growing enhanced-quality products is an entrepreneurial
venture," said Jim Sutter, QUALISOY past chairman and Cargill
vice president. "The premiums provided collectively by the
industry and through the farm bill, under CQIP, will encourage
farmers to grow crops with these traits, which will help meet
food industry demand for healthier products and ensure the
competitiveness of U.S. soy."
The need for alternative oilseeds continues to rise as food
manufacturers and foodservice operators reformulate products in
order to improve the overall health profile of foods. Because of
the 2006 Food and Drug Administration requirement to label trans
fats, the demand for stable oils with improved health profiles
is tapping out supplies of nearly all healthful alternatives.
The House of Representatives issued its version of the 2007 Farm
Bill on July 27, 2007, which includes language on CQIP
introduced by Rep. Nick Lampson (D-TX). Supporters of the CQIP
provision include the U.S. Canola Association, National
Sunflower Association and the American Heart Association.
A diverse 22-member QUALISOY Board of Directors sets research
priorities, evaluates existing and emerging technologies, and
helps identify future soybean trait enhancements that would
benefit the food and feed industries. For additional information
on low-linolenic product availability, QUALISOY's activities and
its Board of Directors, visit
www.QUALISOY.com.
For more information on the 2007
Farm Bill, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill, and for more information
on ASA, visit
www.soygrowers.com.
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