In the complex landscape of Washington politics, a single voice can be easily lost. That’s why the American Soybean Association (ASA) is increasingly relying on a powerful network of partnerships and coalitions to ensure the interests of U.S. soybean farmers are heard loud and clear. This strategy was put to the test recently when a newly formed coalition of oilseed groups preemptively countered a major government report on childhood chronic diseases.
Just days before the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released its findings, ASA joined with the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) and other partners to conduct over 50 meetings on Capitol Hill. Their goal: to make it clear that science-backed seed oils are essential to America’s food system and that agricultural voices should not be left out of national dietary guidance discussions.
“We were flooding the zone,” said Devin Mogler, CEO of NOPA, in a statement. “We gave lawmakers a heads-up on what was likely coming and emphasized that ag stakeholders had been completely left out of the process. It was valuable for them to hear from ASA, processors and everyone in the supply chain before the report was released.”
A Broader Strategy for Advocacy
The seed oils campaign is a prime example of ASA’s overarching advocacy strategy, which extends far beyond ad-hoc responses to hot-button issues. According to Carson Fort, ASA’s manager of government affairs, whether the coalition is temporary or long-established, the goal is always the same: to present a unified voice for agriculture.
“When we work with our partners, we’re presenting a unified voice for agriculture and, specifically, the soy supply chain,” Fort said. “If several organizations share a message, it’s significantly more impactful than if it’s just ASA or the soybean industry alone.”
ASA’s diverse list of partners reflects this comprehensive approach. These coalitions range from the Ag Data Transparent group, which tackles data ownership issues, to the Ag Bioeconomy Coalition, which advocates for biobased products. ASA also collaborates with groups focused on crucial issues like transportation, trade, and crop protection, including the Soy Transportation Coalition and the Pesticide Policy Coalition.
One of the most effective partnerships is the Ag CEO Council, a group of leaders from commodity organizations who meet regularly to coordinate strategy. ASA CEO Stephen Censky noted that this informal group successfully pushed for economic assistance for agriculture in a recent federal spending bill. “When we take a position on an issue,” Censky said, “it really does carry some weight.”
While a collective voice is important, the presence of actual farmers is what truly moves the needle. During the seed oils meetings on Capitol Hill, ASA President Caleb Ragland, a soybean farmer from Kentucky, participated in the discussions.
“As industry representatives, our voices only go so far,” Mogler said. “But when farmers speak—especially to this administration—they get heard.”
The impact of these collaborations can be seen in tangible results. ASA’s alliance with a broad range of groups, including “big oil” (the American Petroleum Institute), successfully pushed for stronger Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) numbers. “The reporting about that meeting actually moved soybean markets higher,” Mogler said. “It sent a signal that the RFS numbers were going to be stronger with all of the industry aligned.”
This symbiotic relationship not only amplifies ASA’s voice but also provides access to a wealth of expert knowledge. Alexa Combelic, ASA’s executive director of government affairs, explains that these partnerships allow the association to tap into specialized expertise on specific policy areas, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.
In a world where every issue is interconnected—from nutrition and technology to trade and climate—ASA’s commitment to these partnerships is ensuring that U.S. soybean farmers have a seat at the table and that their voice is not just present but powerful.
