1.6   Government Export Assistance Programs

The Kansas Soybean Association supports using agricultural products to produce non-food products to provide additional marketing opportunities and to provide for the potential for increased prices.   Examples of our support include expanded usage of soy ink, further research into the application of soy in plastics, and the continued development of soy food dietary applications.   

KSA supports additional research and development to find non-traditional farm products that have the potential to become viable enterprises for agricultural producers.  KSA supports the State Agriculture Marketing Program and urge the State of Kansas, through the Division of Agriculture Products Development, Department of Commerce, to allocate more resources to support the development of value-added products. 

The state of Kansas should authorize incentives encouraging farmers and ranchers to invest in producer-owned cooperatives and value-added businesses. 

2.2 Soybean Policy 

2.21 ASA Support 

As an affiliate of the American Soybean Association (ASA), and participating member of ASA policy development, KSA the supports farm program policy positions of ASA. 

2.22 Production Data 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports providing payments to producers based on historical production data.  Data from crop insurers should be an acceptable form of proof. 

2.23 Disaster Aid 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports disaster assistance aid to drought areas and supports national disaster assistance. 

2.4 USDA Budget Accounting 

2.5 Transportation 

KSA supports a well-designed, adequately funded transportation system for the State of Kansas.  The Kansas Department of Transportation should strengthen the Aviation, Rail and Public Transportation sections of the department. 

Missouri River Water Policy

KSA supports inland water transportation because it represents the most energy-efficient mode for moving agricultural commodities.  The Kansas Soybean Association opposes the changes proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Master Plan for the Management of the Missouri River Basin. 

2.5A Agricultural Transportation Regulations 

Kansas Soybean Association will work to oversee that regulations regarding the transportation of agricultural equipment, vehicles and implements of husbandry must be practical.  Consideration should be given to the type of use, practice and design of the equipment, vehicle or implement. 

2.6 Farmer Appointment to Regulatory Boards 

2.7 Edible Oil Content Labeling 

2.8 Soy Foods 

2.9 Crop Insurance 

The Kansas Soybean Association asks that governing agencies take into consideration topsoil thickness and annual rainfall, along with the frost-free days within the state of Kansas.  We feel that proven research, in each area, should be used to set perimeters for dates and cultivation practices for crop insurance coverage. 

2.10 Equity Protection of Grain 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the continuation of an effective and adequately funded state grain warehouse program requiring licensing and bonding of all commercial elevators and grain warehouses in Kansas. 

KSA supports existing law which provides agricultural producers the opportunity to create non-profit utilities. 

KSA recommends and supports legislation to require grain dealers and grain brokerage firms to be bonded or otherwise provide proof of financial responsibility. 

KSA recommends licensing and bonding regulations be strengthened to protect farmers in the storage of agricultural commodities in private or public storage facilities. 

2.11 Soybean Trading 

2.12 Family Farm Continuation & Tax Provisions        

Taxation of Kansas Agriculture 

Kansas has appropriately created tax exemptions for agriculture, business, and non-profit groups to assist economic development and state competitiveness.  The Kansas Soybean Association believes existing exemptions should remain in place. 

Agricultural inputs are in the same class as inputs for any other manufacture industry.  Raw products purchased by manufacturers are exempt from sales tax, since it is collected on the finished product.  Agricultural products’ sales tax is collected on food products at the retail level.  The Kansas Soybean Association opposes taxing inputs or raw agricultural products, whether by removal of sales tax exemptions or imposing an excise tax, a value-added tax, or a transaction tax. 

Tax Credit for Value-Added Agri-businesses 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the concept of producer owned businesses that add value to agricultural products.  We favor the establishment of tax credits by the state of Kansas for producers who invest in value-added business ventures. 

2.13 Energy Policies 

Biodiesel Development 

KSA supports consumer education, promotion efforts and incentives including retailers’ incentives, to expand the production and use of agricultural-based alternative fuels.  Greater emphasis should be placed on implementing these programs.   

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the further development of soybean-based biodiesel.  The Kansas Soybean Association endorses the inclusion of soybean-based biodiesel in the development and implementation of any potential alternative fuels program.  The Kansas Soybean Association also supports legislation that treats biodiesel the same as other alternative renewable energy sources with respect to federal and state tax credit. 

The Kansas Soybean Association requests the Kansas state legislature, and city officials from Kansas municipalities to adopt a policy that would mandate all government-owned diesel powered vehicles to run on a low blend (2%) of biodiesel, when available and economically feasible.  All such vehicles, with the exception of government owned vehicles used for undercover law enforcement, should be so identified with a bumper sticker or other decal to indicate to the public that said vehicle is reducing emissions and is powered in part by Kansas soybeans. 

KSA encourages the stated to develop and implement an aggressive plan for increasing bio-fuel usage in state vehicles and machinery.  KSA recommends a minimum of 20% of the state’s fuel purchases be bio-fuels by 2007.  KSA encourages the legislature to enact such a requirement.  If the legislature fails to act, then the Governor shall establish a plan for administrative agencies through Executive Order.   

The Kansas Soybean Association believes Kansas distributors of biodiesel should be allowed tax credits by the Kansas state legislature.  Such tax credits should be applied for the purchase and/or maintenance of equipment for the storage and/or distribution of the biodiesel. 

The Kansas Soybean Association believes that all sales of biodiesel blends should have as a minimum blend of at least two percent biodiesel that meets ASTM 6751 standards. KSA encourages all distributors and marketers of biodiesel to feature a minimum of at least two percent blended fuel.  Any distributor of biodiesel that fails to feature a blended fuel containing at least the minimum of two percent biodiesel derived from soybean oil should not make the claim that the fuel is soybean oil based biodiesel, and therefore should not advertise, promote, or otherwise market the product as being biodiesel, and having the full benefits of biodiesel.

             2.14 Property Rights 

Kansas Soybean Association supports landowners’ rights.  We support legislation which will prevent any increased liability for owners of land or livestock. 

KSA opposes the imposition of a moratorium on the development of any agricultural crop or livestock production facility or operation in Kansas.  Legislative or regulatory efforts should not prevent agricultural producers from voluntarily participating in coordinated, value or supply chain based marketing mechanisms. 

The use of eminent domain for economic development should be restricted.  KSA opposes the practice of condemning the property of one landowner and subsequently transferring that property to another private owner under the auspices of economic development. 

Takings, partial takings, or any other governmental control or jurisdiction over private property should not be permitted without just compensation for loss of production, development or sale potential, as provided in the 5^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

KSA opposes giving any person or governmental agency authority for access to private property for inspection or investigation without permission from the property owner or operator. 

KSA believes that property rights of all landowners in wind development areas should be protected.  Those property rights should be protected by basic site standards (e.g. setbacks from dwellings and roads) and a decommissioning policy.   

2.16 Industrial Uses of Soybeans 

Kansas Soybean Association supports the continued investment of checkoff dollars for the purpose of development of non-food products that will provide additional marketing opportunities and the potential for increased prices.  Continued investment by United Soybean Board is critical to the long term success of commercial uses of soybeans.  KSA believes that continued research into improving the soy ink process, increased usage of soy in many plastic applications, soy based resins, paint strippers, roofing materials, and the development of soy based insulation are but a few of the potential environmentally friendly products. KSA supports the use of alternative products in the delivery of asphalt and other agriculturally-based products including deicers. 

2.17 Biotechnology 

Kansas Soybean Association is neither a proponent nor an opponent of Biotechnology.  We believe that every farmer should have the right to choose any crop protectant system that meets his or her needs, management abilities, and is cost effective.   

We are strongly opposed to any company introducing any product (for open commercial sale) that has not received appropriate clearance from all pertinent US government agencies, and has clearance for importation to all international markets. 

KSA strongly opposes the imposition by foreign countries of any import restrictions, labeling, or segregation requirements of any agricultural product enhanced through biotechnology, once such product has been certified by the scientific community as safe and not significantly different from other varieties of that commodity.

 KSA supports peer review for validating biotechnology research.  Protections should be afforded to producers who plant non-GMO (genetically modified organism) crops from cross-pollination or contamination from another producer’s GMO crop.

KSA believes that a producer should not be personally liable for any cross- pollination or contamination to another’s crop, if the producer plants the GMO seed according to the manufacturer’s contract and/or label requirements. 

2.18 State Water Policy 

The Kansas Water Authority should be the agency for water management in Kansas.  The Kansas Soybean Association believes the Authority should be responsible for coordination development and approval of all changes proposed for the State Water Plan.

 The Kansas Soybean Association opposes any modifications the Kansas Water Transfer Act that would encourage or permit water transfers between basins which would be detrimental to rural Kansas.  We oppose any changes to the water appropriations process that would weaken or remove any authority from the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas State Department of Agriculture. 

KSA encourages the Kansas Water Authority to carefully examine all options for addressing concerns regarding management of the High Plains-Ogalala Aquifer.  Any management proposal should be submitted for public comment and ensure the protection of individual water right holders.  Proposals should not place Kansas water users at a disadvantage in relation to water users in other states.   

            2.19 Biosecurity and Emergency Preparedness 

The Kansas Soybean Association encourages continued coordination among federal, state and local units of government, research entities, and the agricultural industry to reasonably protect the food, fiber, and animal industry from accidental or intentional introduction of foreign diseases, pests, or other pathogens detrimental to the agricultural industry. We support voluntary biosecurity protocols for agricultural producers and agribusinesses.  Furthermore, we support the maximum penalty provisions provided by law be applied to those individuals convicted of ecoterroristic and bioterroristic activities.  

        3.0         Research, Education, and Natural Resources 

3.1  Research, Extension and Research Priorities 

Kansas Soybean Association urges a strong commitment by the Kansas Legislature, Regents and University Administration to the land grant tradition of teaching, research and extension. 

Agricultural Research and Kansas State University 

Agriculture is the largest and most important industry in Kansas.  It is advantageous to the economics of Kansas and the nation that we maintain vigorous and profitable agricultural production that is based upon the latest technology. 

Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service 

Educational programs organized by the Kansas Cooperative Service significantly enhance farm, family, and community life and favorably impact rural revitalization, resource conservation and environmental protection. 

We are concerned about the maintaining and strengthening the Cooperative Extension Service which serves youth and adults in every county in Kansas.   

3.2  Coordinating and Funding Research 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the continued enhancement of the International Grains Program and the Grain Science research facility at Kansas State University. 

3.3  Soybean Research Centers 

The Kansas Legislature should appropriate adequate funding towards the Plant Science Programs at Kansas State University.  

3.4  Conservation and Natural Resources 

3.41 Conservation Reserve Program 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the idea to encourage incentives through the Conservation Security Program (CSP) to assist producer to switch from current energy to the use to biodiesel and ethanol.  The Conservation Reserve Program has helped reduce soil erosion, and Due to the success of the CRP in reducing soil erosion, the Kansas Soybean Association supports the continuation of this program.  The advances made in environmental quality due to the CRP cannot be measured in dollars.  

3.42 Environmental  

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the idea to encourage producers to utilize the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP) to reduce erosion and improve water quality.  

The environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) has assisted producers to make effective environmental advances to protect the quality of the our environment through the use of incentives, the Kansas Soybean Association supports the continuation of this program. 

3.5  Crop Production Inputs 

Crop Protectants 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the complete and detailed labeling of all agricultural chemicals.  Persons who use agricultural chemicals in accordance with the product label instructions should not be held liable for environmental damage.  We do not condone the misuse of agricultural chemicals. 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports a timely and fair review of atrizine and other crop protectants before final action on their use and sale is taken. 

The Kansas Soybean Association opposes any local governmental units from having the authority to impose restrictions on agricultural chemicals.  These local restrictions would create a confusing patch work of differing regulations and compliance and enforcement of these regulations imposed by the many different local units of government would be difficult if not impossible. 

Pesticide Management Areas 

The Kansas Soybean Association believes the establishment and regulation of the Pesticide Management Area shall remain under jurisdiction of the Kansas State Department of Agriculture.  The Kansas Soybean Association also feels that there needs to be participation by every producer within the Pesticide Management Area. 

The Kansas Soybean Association supports the concept and the establishment of Pesticide Management Areas throughout the state of Kansas as recommended by the Pesticide Management Area Technical Advisor Committee. 

3.6  Water Quality

Kansas Soybean Association supports the state authority to regulate water quality under the federal Clean Water Act.   KSA also supports the current state exemption of certain private waters from water quality standards. 

As water quality is a matter of state and national concern, we highly encourage all producers to use Best Management Practices.  We also call for re-evaluation of federal cost share programs and increased funding to encourage Best Management Practices.  We oppose any mandatory regulations that are unfunded, infringe on private property rights without compensation, or have not been developed by peer review of scientific research. 

KSA supports the reexamination of stream classifications and use designations as required by state law. 

KSA supports the Governor’s Water Quality Initiative and the ongoing research and data collection necessary to protect and enhance the water quality in Kansas. 

3.7  Intellectual Property Rights 

4.0         Organizational Affairs 

4.1  Membership Statement 

Membership Statement 

The American Soybean Association is made up of affiliated state soybean associations.  These state associations provide the leadership, grass root support, and guidance to make the American Soybean Association successful.  The Kansas Soybean Association believes it is vital to both the American Soybean Association and Kansas Soybean Association to maintain and increase its membership.  The Kansas Soybean Association believes American Soybean Association must maintain the current membership growth.  The Kansas Soybean Association believes the American Soybean Association must strive to be a viable membership organization. 

4.2  State Membership 

4.3  Soybean Promotion and Research Checkoff 

Commodity Checkoff Programs 

The Kansas Soybean Association is an avid supporter of commodity checkoffs.  These checkoff programs do much to promote, research, and develop production and marketing opportunities.  We believe specifically that the Kansas Soybean Commission and the United Soybean Board invest our checkoff dollars in a productive manner. 

The Kansas Soybean Association recognizes that soybean profits are under attack from competitors.  There are tremendous opportunities for expanded soybean profits in developing new uses, in developing markets and existing markets.  To battle our competitors and implement programs to capture opportunities require investments in state, national, and international promotion and research programs. 

Therefore, the Kansas Soybean Association supports the national checkoff program for soybeans (SPARC: Soybean Promotion and Research Checkoff).  SPARC is farmer controlled and designed to expand soybean exports; protect and expand domestic soybean markets; develop new or improved uses for soybeans; and to inform consumers and farmers about soybeans.  We feel that SPARC contains the following safeguards that the money collected will be used properly:

1)      Everyone who benefits invests equally and fairly nationwide;

2)      Farmer control in maintained and state representation on the national board is based on the amount of state soybean production;

3)      National Administrative costs are capped at no more than 5% of annual collections;

4)      Provides that 50% of the checkoff funds remain in the state to be administered by the state promotion boards;

5)      Prohibits the use of checkoff funds for political purposes lobbying;

6)      Provides for a poll of farmers on the need for a referendum. 

4.4  Industry Support and Cooperation 

4.5  Public Affairs 

4.6  General Farm Organizations 

4.7  Farm Safety  

The Kansas Soybean Association encourages the National Safety Council in their efforts to promote agricultural safety programs and encourage farmers and ranchers to install and maintain safety equipment. 

4.8  Financial Responsibilities 

5.0 Kansas Soybean Association General Resolutions             

Retiring Directors 

The Kansas Soybean Association wants to express our sincere appreciation to George Royer and Dr. Dave Mengel upon their retirement from the board of directors, for many years of dedication and service.   

The Kansas Soybean Association also wants to thank Bill Wiley for his service representing Kansas on the American Soybean Association Board.

Recruiters 

The Kansas Soybean Association wishes to offer special recognition to the following individuals for their outstanding efforts in recruiting members:

6.0 Recommendations to ASA

Kansas Soybean Association
            2930 SW Wanamaker Drive   
            Topeka, KS 66614-4116
            Phone: 785-721-1030