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In March, Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) board members traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for issues crucial to the soybean industry. The visit coincided with the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) board meeting. OSA board members who traveled to D.C. included Scott Metzger, OSA president and Ross County farmer; Ryan Rhoades, OSA First Vice President and farmer from Marion County; Bret Davis, ASA secretary and farmer from Delaware County; Jerry Bambauer of Auglaize County; and Andy Stickel of Wood County. “It’s really important to have that face time with our representatives,” said OSA First Vice President Ryan Rhoades. “Sitting across from someone, shaking their hand — those kinds of things leave a lasting, positive impression that makes legislators remember soybean farmers when it comes time to write and pass bills.” Many members of Congress were on recess, and therefore not in town, but OSA farmer leaders still took advantage of their time in the capital, speaking to legislative staff about three key issues impacting soybean farmers currently: trade, biodiesel and water quality. The board members visited the offices of Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-16th), Rep. Michael Turner (R-10th), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-7th), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-6th), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-13th), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-8th), Rep. Steve Stivers (R-15th), Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-2nd), Rep. Robert Latta (R-5th), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-3rd), and Rep. David Joyce (R-14th). The following points can also serve as talking points if you decide to contact your representatives. You can find your congressional representative at www.house.gov.

TRADE: Push for completions of the USMCA, removal of the China 301 tariffs and for progress on new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including Japan, the EU and the UK. } Encouraging the Trump Administration to seek an outcome that removes tariffs and allows for more soybeans to be sold to China. }Swift passage of the USMCA by Congress once it begins consideration in 2019. } USMCA will return market certainty to these export markets for soybean growers. USMCA will also give farmers access to a robust and vital marketplace while providing countless jobs and boosting national and rural economies. } Support for the Administration’s announcements to negotiate new FTAs with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom. }Reducing tariffs and increasing market access are key objectives for ASA in a Free Trade Agreement with Japan. Japan is the fifth-largest market for U.S. soybean exports, with shipments valued at $976 million in 2017.

BIODIESEL: Long-term extension of biodiesel tax credit and favorable implementation of RFS } Under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the biodiesel tax credit was extended for one year, retroactively for 2017, but not for 2018 and beyond. Extension of the tax incentive is important to the industry’s continued growth. } Biodiesel production benefits soybean farmers and the livestock industry. Approximately half of U.S. biodiesel is produced from soybean oil that is a byproduct of soybean production, which is driven by demand for protein meal. } Biomass-based diesel is the most commercially-available advanced biofuel, and it provides significant economic, energy security, environmental and health benefits. } The EPA’s 2018 RFS volume requirements set biomass-based diesel at 2.43 billion gallons for 2020 and total Advanced Biofuels at 4.92 billion for 2019. This represents modest growth from previous year requirements. } Biodiesel provides multiple energy, economic, and environmental benefits by increasing volumes of a domestically produced, renewable energy source and has expanded markets for farmers and livestock producers and created new jobs and economic growth, particularly in rural America.

WATER QUALITY: Support for maintaining or increasing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GRLI) } Ohioans rely on Lake Erie for jobs, clean drinking water, and a place to enjoy with their families. } Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects nets $3.35 in additional economic activity through 2036. For more information about OSA or ASA’s policy priorities, please visit: http://soyohio.org/association/ legislation-and-policy/