By Erin Glarner, ASA Director of Industry Relations
The ASA Action Partnership (ASAAP), established in 2011, brings together stakeholders across the U.S. soybean industry to strengthen communication, collaboration, and commitment to a stronger, more secure industry. ASAAP unites ASA, state affiliates, Soybean Checkoff organizations, and industry partners to advance and protect the interests of U.S. soybean growers and their ability to farm profitably. The forum provides a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on critical industry issues.
Significant opportunities and challenges exist across the value chain for stakeholders. These issues are often complex, and in many cases, too broad for any one organization to address alone. By connecting farmer priorities with expertise from across the value chain, ASAAP helps identify practical solutions that support grower profitability, expand demand for U.S. soy, and advance a more unified voice for agriculture.
ASAAP attendees took a tour of ASA Director Brad Macauley’s farm in New York.
“ASAAP brings soybean farmers, industry partners, and allied organizations together and creates an important forum for candid discussion, relationship-building, and coordinated action on issues that directly affect growers – from market access and trade to renewable fuels, innovation, conservation, and evolving supply-chain expectations,” said Syngenta Industry Relations Manager Macie O’Shaunessy. “For Syngenta, ASAAP is more than a networking opportunity. We value the chance to learn from farmers and partners, build meaningful relationships, and work together on forward-looking plans that help strengthen American agriculture.”
For ASA, collaboration among corporate industry partners and state affiliates is essential to strengthening our collective efforts and making a meaningful impact on the soybean industry. “Our ASA Action Partners are the highest tier of industry partners and work most closely with our ASA farmer leaders. These corporate partners provide the highest level of support to ASA and are trusted, valued partners as we navigate some of the most challenging issues facing the soybean industry,” said ASA’s Executive Director of Industry & State Relations Tracy Snider. “ASA appreciates all the partnership and collaboration, and we highly value the work we accomplish together.”
The ASAAP initiative includes two member meetings each year. The first meeting is held in March in conjunction with the ASA March Board of Directors meeting. The second meeting is held in August and rotates to a different location each year. The partnership includes the ASA Executive Committee and other ASAAP member organization leaders.
This year’s summer ASAAP meeting took place in Fairport, New York. The meeting provided ASAAP members the opportunity to focus on navigating “Farmer Profitability in an Era of Volatility” through discussions and sessions focused on the soy industry’s current issues and priorities. One highlight was a panel discussion featuring members of ASA’s Executive Committee who shared insights on the future of agricultural policy. ASAAP members also had the opportunity to hear from the dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) and enjoyed experiential activities, including a tour of ASA Director Brad Macauley’s farm, a visit to Letchworth State Park, a local winery tasting experience, and a sunset dinner cruise on the popular Canandaigua Lake, in New York’s Finger Lakes region.
ASA is proud to lead this collaborative effort with key stakeholders to strengthen communication, deepen commitment, and foster partnership with the shared goal of building a stronger, more resilient, and secure soybean industry for today and the future.
The post Strengthening the Soy Industry Through the ASA Action Partnership Initiative appeared first on American Soybean Association.
