The American Soybean Association is "your advocate" in Washington, and is powered by the grassroots support of 22,000 members and 25 state affiliates. 

This ASA Weekly Leader Letter Is Brought to You by BASF.

Fourteenth Annual Commodity Classic Sets New Trade Show Record
"Happy Trails" To Everyone Who Participated In The ASA Auction
ASA Presents Top Awards At Banquet During Commodity Classic
ASA Voting Delegates Set Policy Direction For 2009-2010
Young Leader Class Completes Training During Commodity Classic
ASA Announces Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship Winner
Conservation Legacy Winners Announced
World Soy Foundation Acre Challenge Tally At 77
ASA Welcomes South Korean Regulatory Approvals For New Soybean Traits
ASA To Host Seventh Annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch On Capitol Hill

ASA Weighs In With New EPA Administrator On Indirect Land Use Issue
ASA Sends President Obama Letter On Mexican Trucking
ASA Meets With USDA On Administration Budget Proposals
ASA Participates In EPA FRRCC Federal Advisory Committee Meeting
ASA Participates In Waterways Council Policy Seminar In Washington, D.C.
Agricultural Groups Send Food Aid Letter To Secretary Vilsack
ASA Chairman Participates In Reception At Cuban Interests Section
USTR Releases President’s Trade Agenda
EU Imposes Provisional Duties On Imports Of U.S. Biodiesel

USSEC Names Escobar Interim CEO
Japanese Tofu Industry Recognizes Exceptional Contributions Of ASA-IM
Burleigh Named ASA-IM Middle East Regional Director
Soymilk Gains Popularity On The Streets Of Indonesia
Soy-Fed Chicken Promotion Attracts Attention In India

This week on the Soy Radio Newsline listen to comments from ASA President Johnny Dodson as he talks about the resolutions discussed at the recent ASA Voting Delegates Session. This report may be heard on SoyGrowers.com.

AT-A-
GLANCE

CBOT Futures 03/04/09

FAS Worldwide Weekly Sales Report as of 02/26/09
(1000 Metric Tons | Million Bushels or Pounds)

Settle

Net Change

This Week

Year Ago

% Change

SoyBeans

(09Mar) 875.4

+124

22,383.7

8224

19,708.5

7241

+136

SoyMeal

(09Mar) 274.2

+2.5

3,041.6

6,692

3,251.5

7,153

-6.5

SoyOil

(09Mar) 30.74

+0.55

2074

456

5083

1118

-592

"Happy Trails" To Everyone Who Participated In The ASA Auction   The 4th Annual American Soybean Association (ASA) Soy Social and Auction was a fun time thanks to the sponsors and the many people who participated on Feb. 26, at Commodity Classic in Grapevine, Texas. "There was spirited bidding this year," said ASA Auction Chair Bob Henry. "The members had a really fun time and we are delighted with another successful auction. ASA is grateful to all who participated and thanks them for their support, which will be used to benefit SoyPAC, ASA’s political action committee." More than 350 people attended the auction, at which 83 items were sold to raise over $52,000. ASA thanks the auction sponsors: Cargill, Rabo AgriFinance, Bayer CropScience, MachineryLink, Land Bank of North Mississippi and Southern AgCredit – as well as to everyone who donated an item and those who participated by bidding high and bidding often.

ASA Presents Top Awards At Banquet During Commodity Classic   Nearly 800 people attended the American Soybean Association (ASA) Awards Banquet on Feb. 27, at Commodity Classic. Emcee for the evening was Susan Littlefield, a farm broadcaster for KZEN in Columbus, Nebraska. ASA President Johnny Dodson presented top recruiting awards to: Robert Nelson (Minn.) with 71 recruits at Level One; Scott Hendrickson (N.D.) with 88 recruits at Level Two and MD Floyd (S.C.) with 50 recruits at Level Three. The ASA Special Meritorious Award was presented to Bhima Vijayendran, Chief Research Officer at Battelle Memorial Institute. The ASA Lifetime Achievement Award-Membership Focus was presented to Gerry Hayden from Kentucky. The ASA Lifetime Achievement Award-Association Focus was presented to Darryl Brinkmann from Illinois. Dodson presented ASA President’s Circle Awards to the top industry supporters of ASA. The three organizations that received the award were: Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), accepted by Dan Zwicker from the ADM Grain Division; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a DuPont Business, accepted by Scott Hedderich, Industry Relations Manager and Greg Peton, Key Accounts Manager; and Monsanto, accepted by Kim Magin Sutter, Director of Global Oilseed Industry Affairs. The ASA Awards Banquet was sponsored by EMD Crop BioScience, Pioneer Hi-Bred International and the United Soybean Board.

ASA Voting Delegates Set Policy Direction For 2009-2010   Soybean producers gathered in Grapevine, Texas last week to review and revise the policy direction of the American Soybean Association (ASA). One hundred thirty-four producers from ASA’s 25 state affiliates served as Voting Delegates in this annual process that guides ASA as it pursues future initiatives to improve U.S. soybean farmer profitability. The voting delegates session was held Feb. 28, following the conclusion of the Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. Delegates made modifications and additions to resolutions dealing with exports, research, domestic issues and organizational affairs. Details of these modifications and additions can be found at www.soygrowers.com/newsroom/news.htm in the news release titled, "ASA Voting Delegates Set Policy Direction for 2009-2010."

Young Leader Class Completes Training During Commodity Classic   The 2009 class of American Soybean Association (ASA)/DuPont Young Leaders completed their training in Grapevine, Texas, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic. Young Leaders participated in Advanced Communication Style Analysis, Media Training and Life Balance Training, and participated in Commodity Classic events. They rounded up a week of personal growth and networking by graduating on-stage at the ASA Awards Banquet. "ASA recognizes how important it is to develop new leadership and thanks Pioneer for supporting this outstanding program," said ASA President and past Young Leader Johnny Dodson. The 2009 class of Young Leaders represents 22 states and Canada. They are: Jeff and Michelle Tate (Ala.), Brad and Joyce Doyle (Ark.), Matt and Kim DeBlock (Ill.), Don and Corinna Wyss (Ind.), Brent Swart and Mandy Matuska (Iowa), Randall and Nicole Small (Kan.), Ron and Heather Davis (Ky.), George LaCour (La.), Dennis and Reta Gardner (Mich.), Grant Troop (Mid-Atlantic, Pa.), Cole and Miranda Trebesch (Minn.), Nicholas O’Neal (Miss.), Dan and Karisha Devlin (Mo.), Aaron Nelson (Neb.), Brent and Susan Leggett (N.C.), Jason and Crystal Martodam (N.D.), Doug and Shelly Hafer (Ohio), Jason and Buffie Eaddy (S.C.), Justin Stofferahn (S.D.), Whit Willis and Mandy Hagan (Tenn.), Danny Allensworth (Va.), Rob and Marie Klink (Wis.), and Jasmin Hofer and Nick Leja, (Canada). For more information on how to become an ASA/DuPont Young Leader, contact ASA Corporate Development Manager Michelle Siegel at 800-688-7692 ext. 1328 or msiegel@soy.org. For general information on the DuPont Young Leader Program, go to www.soygrowers.com/dyl.

ASA Announces Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship Winner   The American Soybean Association (ASA) and BASF Corporation announced during Commodity Classic in Grapevine, Texas that Brent Larson of Canby, Minn. was the winner of the 2009-2010 Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship. Larson beat out 46 other applicants because of his outstanding leadership activities and overall academic achievements. Larson plans to attend South Dakota State University and major in Agronomy with minors in Agriculture Economics and Marketing. "I know the value of a college education and you need to major in subjects that will help you run your farm business in the most efficient way possible," Larson said. The $5,000 scholarship is available to high school seniors who are the child or grandchild of an ASA member and who plan to pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field. Leadership and extracurricular activities are evaluated, as well as teacher and personal recommendations, GPA and standardized test scores. The scholarship is made possible through a grant provided by the BASF Corporation. For more information on the Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship, contact ASA Corporate Development Manager Michelle Siegel at 314-754-1328 or msiegel@soy.org.

Conservation Legacy Winners Announced   John Buck of Buck Farms, New Bloomington, Ohio was announced as the national winner of the Conservation Legacy Award at the American Soybean Association (ASA) Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic last week. Buck was the Northeast Region winner. The other regional winners were Dean and Mike Coleman of Humboldt, Iowa in the Midwest Region, and Rick and Phillip Castlen of Owensboro, Ky. in the South Region. When it comes to conservation, Buck says his philosophy is, "There is always more that can and should be done to protect our resources of land and water. We need to be attentive to this responsibility every single day." The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by ASA, Monsanto and Corn & Soybean Digest. The awards are designed to recognize environmental and conservation achievements of US. soybean producers. All winners received an expense-paid trip to the Commodity Classic, were recognized at the ASA Awards Banquet and were featured in the February issue of Corn & Soybean Digest.

World Soy Foundation Acre Challenge Tally At 77   The American Soybean Association’s World Soy Foundation (WSF) Acre Challenge Campaign received a boost at Commodity Classic when one soybean grower from North Dakota wrote a check for $10,000 to WSF. At the same event, Glauber Silveira, President of Aprosajo, the Mato Grosso Soybean Producers Association of Brazil, pledged one hectare of Brazilian soybeans. By the time Commodity Classic wrapped up, the number of farmers striving to fight world hunger through the Acre Challenge stood at 77. Farmers from six new states joined the effort to bring the total number of states represented to 17. The goal of the campaign is to have 600 farmers signed up for the effort by the end of this fiscal year. WSF raised more than $23,000 during Commodity Classic from individual farmers. "The WSF Acre Challenge is something unique and practical that soybean growers can really put their arms around," said WSF Board Chairman Roy Bardole. "These farmers can relate to acres, bushels and the nutritional value of soybeans. When they donate an acre value of soybeans, they know they have helped with the crisis of world hunger and malnutrition."

ASA Welcomes South Korean Regulatory Approvals For New Soybean Traits   The American Soybean Association (ASA) welcomed the Feb. 27, announcement that two new biotech-enhanced soybean varieties, the Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ Soybean (MON 89788) from Monsanto and the LibertyLink® soybeans (A2704-12) from Bayer CropScience have both achieved additional import approval milestones from Korean regulatory agencies that pave the way for commercialization in the United States. "The American Soybean Association recognizes the efforts of South Korean regulators to move forward with authorizations for these new soybean varieties," said ASA President Johnny Dodson. "These approvals are critical to U.S. soybean growers and to our soybean and soybean product customers in South Korea." The Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybean received food safety approval from the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) Feb. 27. Now there are no longer any requirements for planting and movement stewardship restrictions on soybean with the Roundup Ready 2 Yield trait in the United States. LibertyLink Soybeans also reached another milestone in South Korea with the approval by RDA on Feb. 25. The application now moves into the final stages for approval under KFDA. "ASA has worked in partnership with Bayer CropScience and Monsanto to education foreign buyers on biotechnology and for regulatory clearances of these new traits," Dodson said. ASA has also worked closely with the South Korean industry for approval of these new soybean traits. In January, ASA Board member and ASA Biotech Working Group member Ron Moore traveled to South Korea to join American Soybean Association International Marketing South Korea Director Say Young Jo and representatives of the U.S. Grains Council, the North American Export Grain Association and biotech company representatives for meetings with South Korean feed industry representatives, soybean and corn processors, and soy and corn product importers on the urgent need for South Korea to complete its regulatory review and approvals.

ASA To Host Seventh Annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch On Capitol Hill   Mark your calendars and whet your appetite for the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) Seventh Annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch On Capitol Hill March 11, in Washington, D.C. ASA directors, state farmer-leaders, legislators, key staff and Executive Branch agency representatives will gather for the lunch in the Longworth House Office Building, Room 1302, from noon to 1:30 p.m. This annual luncheon is an ideal forum for ASA and sponsoring partners to showcase products and demonstrate the importance of soyfoods to sound nutrition. "The health benefits of soy are becoming more widely-known, and this special luncheon affords ASA with an opportunity to give policymakers and their staff a chance to experience these benefits for themselves," said ASA President Johnny Dodson. The menu this year includes Cuban Black Soybean Soup, Crisp Edamame and Vegetable Salad, Vegetarian Beef Bul Gogi (Korean BBQ), Coconut Curry Chicken, Alfredo Primavera and SOYJOY, made with whole soy and real fruit. This year the lunch will also have a refreshment bar featuring Apply Soy Chai Latte and Soy-tisfying Almond-Chocolate Cappuccino. ASA thanks the following partners for their sponsorship: Archer Daniels Midland Company, Monsanto, Solae, The Soyfoods Council and SOYJOY.

ASA Weighs In With New EPA Administrator On Indirect Land Use Issue   The American Soybean Association (ASA) sent a letter to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson to express concerns with the approach that EPA is considering to address indirect emissions in the proposed rule for the implementation of the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2). Under the RFS-2, biodiesel would have to meet a 50 percent lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction threshold and the calculation of the GHG number must include direct and indirect emissions. ASA has significant concerns with the indirect land use assumptions and calculations that are currently being proposed by EPA. EPA’s proposal is under review by the White House Office of Management & Budget. Once the Proposed Rule is issued, there will be a public comment period before it is finalized. ASA is working with Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and industry partners to urge EPA to refrain from using inaccurate, incomplete and unsubstantiated indirect land use change assumptions in their proposed rule for the RFS-2.

ASA Sends President Obama Letter On Mexican Trucking   The American Soybean Association (ASA) joined 77 other organizations in sending a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to resist efforts to halt or impede the U.S. Department of Transportation's Cross Border Trucking Pilot Program with Mexico. "The pilot program is a critical first step toward compliance with the long-overdue U.S. obligation under the North American Free Trade Agreement to allow Mexican-domiciled motor carriers to deliver international (not domestic) cargo to and from U.S. destinations beyond the existing border commercial zone," the letter states. "This program is a valuable effort that allows for carefully scrutinized trucks to operate across the U.S.-Mexico border on a reciprocal basis and will likely prompt retaliation by Mexico if eliminated." Mexico is the number one market for U.S. soybean meal. It is the number two market for whole soybeans. If Mexico would retaliate against the U.S., it could impose tariffs on U.S. soy products, causing the U.S. market share to decline. View the ASA letter to President Obama.

ASA Meets With USDA On Administration Budget Proposals   The American Soybean Association (ASA) participated in a meeting called by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Chief of Staff Carol Jett to discuss the Obama Administration’s proposals for agricultural spending in its FY-2010 Budget. Also attending were representatives of all major crop commodity and general farm organizations. The groups raised concerns regarding the Administration’s intention to seek reopening of the 2008 Farm Bill in order to cap Marketing Loan Gains and Loan Deficiency Payments at $145,000 per individual and means-test Direct Payments by excluding farm operations with more than $500,000 in gross revenues. They also pointed out that the proposed cuts in Federal Crop Insurance payments to farmers would erode benefits under a program that already received substantial reductions in spending under the Farm Bill, and questioned the idea of reducing funding for the Market Access Program when the Administration is committed to supporting and increasing farm exports. USDA officials attending the meeting cited President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign commitment to capping total payments to producers at $250,000. They also indicated that the Budget proposals are only recommendations to Congress, which will make the final decision on whether to reduce agricultural spending and which programs should be affected. ASA and other groups agreed to submit position papers justifying the Marketing Loan Program and Direct Payments, as well as the other programs targeted by the Administration’s proposals.

ASA Participates In EPA FRRCC Federal Advisory Committee Meeting   American Soybean Association (ASA) member Jim Andrew and ASA Washington, D.C. staff participated in a meeting of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities (FRRCC) Federal Advisory Committee Feb. 23. Andrew serves as a grower representative to the FRRCC and chairs a workgroup that covers climate change and biofuels issues. At the FRRCC meeting, EPA officials provided a briefing on the EPA’s life cycle analysis on biofuels for the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2). The EPA officials indicated that they had submitted their draft proposed rules to the White House Office of Management & Budget for review and had requested an expedited review process with the hope of issuing the proposed rules in the Federal Register in mid-March. The officials took questions and listened to comments from members of the FRRCC. Many of the members stressed the uncertainty around land use change and urged EPA to carefully consider the impacts that their determinations will have on farmers, biofuels investments and rural economies.

ASA Participates In Waterways Council Policy Seminar In Washington, D.C.   American Soybean Association (ASA) Washington, D.C. staff participated in the Waterways Council policy meeting Feb 24. ASA is a member of the Waterways Council, which serves to coordinate efforts in support of federal funding for important inland waterways infrastructure, such as the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River system. Much of the focus of the policy seminar was on the recent enactment of the federal stimulus package and the ramifications for inland waterways projects. While the stimulus provided funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure projects, it excluded funding for any "new start" projects, which would encompass most of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River system’s lock and dam projects. Representative Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Chairman of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and Rep. John Mica (R-FL), Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, addressed the policy seminar. Their remarks also focused on the stimulus package with both expressing disappointment that their efforts to provide more funding for transportation infrastructure were unsuccessful. ASA and the Waterways Council will be working in support of a request of $50 million for the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River system’s lock and dam projects in the annual appropriations process this year.

Agricultural Groups Send Food Aid Letter To Secretary Vilsack   The American Soybean Association and Illinois Soybean Association joined other commodity groups in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack outlining U.S. commodity priorities for food aid. "As you and your Administration colleagues review the multiple objectives of U.S. food aid initiatives, we urge you to remember the millions of lives saved and tremendous good achieved from using America’s agricultural bounty to feed those who are less fortunate," the letter stated. "As active stakeholders in these programs, we want to provide positive input to the Administration in all administrative and policy initiatives on international food aid and agricultural development." The letter went on to state the importance of U.S. food aid programs as well as concern that recent support for in-kind food aid could harm the current system. "Our organizations recognize that Local and Regional Procurement (LRP) can be a useful tool for addressing global food insecurity," the group stated. "However, we believe that the current level of LRP is nearing the maximum amount that can be achieved without causing severe unintended consequences to the needy populations we are trying to help. Considering the U.S. Agency for International Development’s longstanding and continuing authority to use non-Title II accounts for LRP, we firmly believe that further expansion of LRP in U.S. Department of Agriculture programs or Title II would be counterproductive to the long-term viability of these successful humanitarian programs." View the letter to Secretary Vilsack.

ASA Chairman Participates In Reception At Cuban Interests Section   American Soybean Association (ASA) Chairman John Hoffman participated in a reception at the Cuba Interests Section Feb. 19. The reception was organized by the Interests Section to welcome participants in the Conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). They invited other agricultural representatives to attend. There are many hopes this year that the Obama Administration will work towards alleviating some of the restrictions that have been put in place in regards to Cuba. One major change that took place in the last eight years was a stricter stance on travel to Cuba. Cuban American families were once able to go back to Cuba once a year, now Cuban Americans can only visit Cuba once every three years – regardless of family hardships such as illness or death. Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA) has introduced H.R. 874 and Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) has introduced S.428 to address this issue. While the agricultural industry would benefit from a lifting of all trade restrictions, the current bills are seen as a good first step.

USTR Releases President’s Trade Agenda   The office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released the 2009 Trade Agenda stating that "the President will use all available tools to address this economic crisis including achieving access to new markets for American businesses large and small." According to the report, President Barack Obama will seek Trade Promotion Authority, quick movement on the Panama Free Trade Agreement and benchmarks for the Colombia and South Korean Free Trade Agreements. The report also shows a greater emphasis on rules and has promised to review the North American Free Trade Agreement to see where improvements can be made without adversely impacting trade. "The President’s approach will be to promote adherence to the rules-based international trading system in order to promote economic stability, while introducing new concepts – including increasing transparency and promoting broader participation in the debate – to help revitalize economic growth and promote higher living standards at home and abroad. We are in the process of developing a plan of action to address the pending trade agreements in consultation with Congress. We hope to move on the Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA) relatively quickly. And we plan to establish benchmarks for progress on the Colombian and South Korean FTAs," the report stated. During the recent American Soybean Association (ASA) Voting Delegate Session, the delegates approved the following resolution on trade agreements: "ASA continues to strongly support free trade agreements as adopted without addendums, and supports adopting future trade agreements without social and political requirements being the basis for acceptance." The delegates also maintained the resolution that "ASA strongly encourages the reinstatement of the Trade Promotion Authority." View the USTR Trade Agenda.

EU Imposes Provisional Duties On Imports Of U.S. Biodiesel   A key European Union (EU) trade panel has imposed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on imports of biodiesel from the United States. The duties are expected to take effect March 13. The duties will remain in place for up to six months while the European Commission (EC) decides whether to propose definitive duties, which typically last five years. Definitive duties are subject to approval by EU governments before coming into force. The decision to impose provisional duties is part of an ongoing legal process that was initiated in 2008 and will conclude later this year. The U.S. biodiesel industry, with the support of the American Soybean Association and U.S. soybean producers, has been working to defend the interests of the industry. In a statement released by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), Vice President Manning Feraci said, "…the facts in this case remain the same. The European industry is not being harmed by U.S. competition. In fact, the EC has before it data demonstrating that key European biodiesel companies are doing quite well. And for those companies that are faring poorly, it is factors not related to U.S competition - bad business models; high feedstock costs; and detrimental changes in EU member state policy - that are the cause. As the case proceeds, the NBB will continue to highlight this fundamental shortcoming in the European Biodiesel Board's complaint."

Japanese Tofu Industry Recognizes Exceptional Contributions Of ASA-IM   The National Federation of Tofu Commerce & Industry Trade Associations recognized American Soybean Association International Marketing (ASA-IM) Japan for its continual support and collaboration with the Japanese Tofu Industry by welcoming ASA-IM Japan as a lifetime partner. This February, ASA-IM Japan became the Federation’s first non-Japanese member in its 70-year history. This decision was partially in recognition of an ASA-IM and Zentoren collaboration resulting in the highly successful Tofu Therapy Menu promotion. ELLE a table, a popular, high-end gourmet and fashion magazine, featured this menu. In addition to recipe inclusion, ELLE a table magazine published a two-page article featuring the benefits of using U.S. soybeans as high-quality soy ingredients in handmade tofu production. The National Federation of Tofu Commerce & Industry Trade Association has worked with soybean marketers and the American Soybean Association since the late 1950s. Currently, the Federation includes 13,714 tofu manufacturer members who purchase of the majority of their tofu soybeans from the United States. The Federation supports Japan’s tofu industry through collective-cooperative soybean purchasing, soybean cleaning and tofu and soymilk promotion. ASA-IM Japan continues to support the Japanese tofu industry by working with the Federation and their members who represent one-third of Japan’s total tofu market. Japan’s soyfood industry is the largest export customer for food grade soybeans.

Soymilk Gains Popularity On The Streets Of Indonesia   With the fifth largest population worldwide, currently 237 million, Indonesia has the highest per capita soy consumption rate in Southeast Asia. Most of this soy is in the form of traditional tempe and tofu. Soymilk has historically not been popular, even in areas where soybeans are grown and traditional soyfoods are produced. Indonesia has the second-lowest soymilk consumption in Southeast Asia. American Soybean Association International Marketing (ASA-IM) is beginning to change this by encouraging soy, in all its forms, as a healthy food or beverage. Both urban dwellers and those in rural communities are now beginning to seek out soymilk. Venders can sell up to 13 gallons of soymilk a day by working push carts in busier commercial areas and around schools. Vendors manually produce their own soymilk using a simple juicer or blender. To produce 13 gallons of milk the vender requires 8.8 lbs of soybeans and 9.9 lbs of sugar. Production costs about $12. One vender interviewed by Dady Maskar, ASA-IM Human Food Program Technical Manager in Indonesia, said that he sells each glass for around 15 cents. This means an average profit in excess of 100 percent. ASA-IM has actively promoted soymilk consumption at the grassroots level through school soymilk programs aimed at developing a preference for the beverage at an early age. From the onset, it was discovered that children preferred a flavored product with a sweet taste. Street venders adjust their product to suit this preference by blending in sugar and adding flavors such as strawberry. ASA-IM, through its participation in the Indonesian Tempe Forum, continues to encourage entrepreneurs and beverage manufacturers to develop and expand their businesses through the production and sale of soy-based beverages. Indonesia is the world’s seventh-largest customer for U.S. soybeans, which represent more than 90 percent of the country’s total soybean imports.

The activities of the U.S. Soybean Export Council to expand international markets for U.S. soybeans and products are made possible through the American Soybean Association’s investment of cost-share funding provided by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, support from cooperating industry, and by producer checkoff dollars invested by the United Soybean Board and various State Soybean Councils.