ASA President Testifies on Expanding Domestic Markets for U.S. Soy
Mar 10, 2026
American Soybean Association (ASA) President Scott Metzger, a soybean farmer from Williamsport, Ohio, testified on March 10 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry regarding the importance of strengthening domestic markets for U.S.-grown agricultural products.
In his testimony, Metzger emphasized that expanding domestic demand is critical for American soybean farmers who are facing declining commodity prices, rising input costs, and continued trade uncertainty.
“Farmers need export markets and reliable trade agreements,” Metzger said. “That holds true today, just as it did in 2018 and 2025. Developing strong and growing domestic markets for our crops will support our farm economy.”
He highlighted the important role federal biofuel policy plays in supporting soybean farmers and urged the administration to finalize guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.
“These policies will provide certainty for the biofuels industry and help ensure U.S. soybean oil remains a competitive feedstock for biomass-based diesel and other renewable fuels,” Metzger said.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining strong domestic markets for soy foods and animal agriculture, which remains the largest customer for U.S. soybean meal. In addition, Metzger pointed to emerging opportunities for soy-based bioproducts and encouraged Congress to support the reauthorization of USDA’s BioPreferred Program in the next farm bill, while emphasizing the importance of farmer-led research and market development through the Soy Checkoff.
In his testimony, Metzger emphasized that expanding domestic demand is critical for American soybean farmers who are facing declining commodity prices, rising input costs, and continued trade uncertainty.
“Farmers need export markets and reliable trade agreements,” Metzger said. “That holds true today, just as it did in 2018 and 2025. Developing strong and growing domestic markets for our crops will support our farm economy.”
He highlighted the important role federal biofuel policy plays in supporting soybean farmers and urged the administration to finalize guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.
“These policies will provide certainty for the biofuels industry and help ensure U.S. soybean oil remains a competitive feedstock for biomass-based diesel and other renewable fuels,” Metzger said.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining strong domestic markets for soy foods and animal agriculture, which remains the largest customer for U.S. soybean meal. In addition, Metzger pointed to emerging opportunities for soy-based bioproducts and encouraged Congress to support the reauthorization of USDA’s BioPreferred Program in the next farm bill, while emphasizing the importance of farmer-led research and market development through the Soy Checkoff.