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ST. LOUIS — Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) announced a new strategic plan that prioritizes sustainable soy solutions for global and domestic customers while ensuring value and profitability for United States soybean farmers.

The seating of the new Chair and Executive Committee at its December meeting included appointments of the Supply and Demand Action Team leads, Priority Area coordinators and Communication and Education Committee chair, among other key roles within the organization.

“Farmer investments this past year have fueled groundbreaking progress promoting U.S. soybeans,” said Ralph Lott, USB Chair and farmer from Seneca Falls, N.v. “It’s crucial we build on that success and set a strong course for our future. We also know that, in the coming years, the soy industry will be faced with compelling opportunities and tough decisions. The new strategic plan sets a clear path to navigate what’s ahead, capturing value and increasing profits for farmers.”

The USB Strategic Plan will guide checkoff investments in research, education and promotion across three priority areas of Infrastructure and Connectivity, Health and Nutrition, and Innovation and Technology. Each area is further divided into two additional areas of focus, supply and demand, and measured by resilience, differentiation and reputation. “These priority areas drive our strategic decisions and will focus our efforts to create the most value and positive impact for every soybean farmer,” Lott said. “For example, when it comes to infrastructure and connectivity, the checkoff will invest in projects that strengthen the road, rail, river and broadband systems that bring U.S. soybeans to market. We’ve seen this in action with the recent checkoff investment in the research, analysis and design informing the dredging of the lower Mississippi River to enhance our nation’s inland waterways. The new strategic plan will carry this work forward.” Similarly, work in the health and nutrition priority area will improve both plant and soil health, preserving the environment, and animal and human health, delivering a more nutritious soybean to U.S. Soy customers.