AMS NEWS RELEASE

AMS No. 007-04

Kathryn Mattingly (202) 720-8998

kathryn.mattingly@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

USDA SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE SOYBEAN REQUEST FOR REFERENDUM PROCEDURES

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2004 –– The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on proposed amendments to procedures for soybean producers to request a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order.

The Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act provides that a request for referendum must be held every five years following the initial referendum and every five years thereafter. The last request for referendum was held in 1999. Only eligible producers wishing to request a referendum on the order would participate. USDA would conduct a referendum only if at least 10 percent of all producers, no more than one fifth of which may be producers in any one state, requested a referendum.

USDA is proposing that the request for referendum be conducted at local Farm Service Agency offices where forms for requesting a referendum may be obtained in person, by mail or facsimile. USDA is proposing that the request for referendum be held during a four week period to be announced by the secretary and that any producer engaged in growing soybeans anytime from Jan. 1, 2001, to Dec. 31, 2003, would be eligible to participate. In addition, producers would be required to provide documentation that an assessment was paid during the representative period.

The 62 member United Soybean Board authorized by the act, administers a coordinated soybean promotion and research program designed to expand uses of soybeans and soybean products in domestic and foreign markets. The mandatory program is financed by an assessment of one half of 1 percent of the net market price of soybeans.

The proposed amendment to procedures will be published in the Jan. 27 Federal Register. Comments must be received by close of business Feb. 17, 2004. For more information contact Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, AMS Livestock and Seed Program, USDA Stop 0251, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; tel. (202) 720 1115, e-mail soybeancomments@usda.gov or fax (202) 720 1125.

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