Farm bill, biofuels, crop production and more policy issues are advancing 

By Blair Shipp, American Soybean Association 

Several key agricultural policy issues have advanced in Washington in recent weeks, including the farm bill, biofuels, crop protection, fertilizer and trade. Throughout the activity, ASA has remained engaged with Congress, the administration, federal agencies and industry partners to advocate for policies that strengthen the farm economy, expand market opportunities and ensure soybean farmers have access to the tools they need to remain competitive. 

A top priority for ASA continues to be advancing a strong, long-term farm policy that provides certainty for soybean farmers. In June, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman released a discussion draft outlining priorities for the next farm bill. ASA welcomed the framework, noting it includes several priorities for soybean growers, including investments in conservation, research, rural development and market opportunities. 

The framework also includes provisions supporting fertilizer research, expanded conservation technical assistance, precision agriculture technologies, international food assistance programs, rural broadband and domestic market development through biobased products and renewable fuels. While additional work remains before Congress reaches a final agreement, ASA continues working with lawmakers in both chambers to advance a comprehensive farm bill that strengthens U.S. agriculture and provides farmers with the certainty they need to make long-term business decisions. 

Recognizing the continued financial challenges facing agriculture, ASA also welcomed President Trump’s supplemental funding request to Congress. The association said the proposal would provide meaningful short-term support for soybean farmers facing tight margins and ongoing economic uncertainty as they prepare for harvest. ASA also reiterated the importance of continuing to advance policies that strengthen farm profitability and provide long-term certainty for producers. 

Expanding domestic demand 

Expanding domestic demand for U.S. soy remains another major focus of ASA’s advocacy. In late June, USDA published the final Regenerative Feedstock Rule, an important step in implementing the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The rule creates a framework for farmers using voluntary conservation practices, including cover crops and conservation tillage, to produce value-added biofuel feedstocks that can qualify for additional value under the tax credit. 

ASA worked closely with USDA throughout development of the rule, including providing farmer feedback on the Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator. The association also successfully advocated for improvements to the 45Z tax credit that recognize North American feedstocks and better position U.S. soybean farmers to benefit from growing domestic demand for renewable fuels. 

For soybean growers, stronger demand for soybean oil creates additional market opportunities and supports the long-term value of the crop. ASA continues urging Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to finalize tax guidance so farmers can fully realize those opportunities. 

Crop protection also remained at the forefront of ASA’s advocacy. In late June, EPA approved several new crop protection technologies that will provide soybean farmers with additional tools to manage increasingly difficult weed pressures, protect yields, and support conservation and regenerative farming practices. ASA welcomed the registrations, emphasizing that timely, science-based regulatory decisions help ensure growers have access to modern technologies while maintaining environmental stewardship. 

ASA also welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Durnell v. Monsanto, which affirmed that federal pesticide labeling requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) preempt conflicting state failure-to-warn claims. 

Earlier this year, ASA joined a coalition of agricultural organizations in filing an amicus brief supporting a consistent, science-based federal regulatory framework. The Court’s decision reinforces regulatory certainty, supports EPA’s science-based authority over pesticide labeling, and helps preserve farmer access to essential crop protection tools. 

Managing production costs 

Managing production costs has also remained a significant focus of ASA’s advocacy. In June, ASA applauded President Trump’s Executive Order suspending countervailing duties on imported phosphate fertilizer. The association has long advocated for more competitive fertilizer markets, arguing that reducing unnecessary trade barriers can help improve availability and lower costs for producers. 

With fertilizer representing one of the largest annual production expenses on most soybean farms, policies that support competitive input markets remain an important priority for ASA. 

ASA has also opposed a recent petition seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on glyphosate imports. Glyphosate remains one of the most widely used crop protection tools in soybean production, and ASA has consistently maintained that farmers benefit from affordable, reliable, and competitive access to agricultural inputs. 

As the Department of Commerce reviews the petition, ASA will continue advocating for policies that protect farmers’ access to essential crop protection tools while maintaining a stable and affordable supply of agricultural inputs. 

Importance of USMCA 

International trade remains another cornerstone of ASA’s advocacy. In June, ASA Executive Committee member and Minnesota soybean farmer Jamie Beyer testified before the House Agriculture Committee on the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

During the hearing, she emphasized the agreement’s role in preserving duty-free market access, strengthening science-based trade rules, and providing certainty for soybean farmers. Canada and Mexico account for approximately $4 billion in annual U.S. soy complex exports, making the continued success of USMCA critical for soybean farmers who depend on reliable export markets. ASA continues advocating for science-based, rules-based trade policies that provide certainty for farmers and customers alike. 

Congress has a limited legislative window before the August district work period begins, making the coming weeks important for advancing several of agriculture’s top priorities. 

ASA will continue working with lawmakers, the administration and federal agencies to ensure soybean farmers have a strong voice in Washington and that federal policy supports a profitable, competitive, and resilient future for U.S. agriculture.