ISA - Iowa Soybean Association
01/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2025 16:46
Latest Climate Smart Guidance Could Open Profit Opportunities for Soy Growers
Clean fuel production supports roughly 10% of the value of every bushel of soybeans grown in the U.S. (Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / File Photo)
Latest Climate Smart Guidance Could Open Profit Opportunities for Soy Growers
January 15, 2025 | Brock Johnston
Ankeny, Iowa - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an interim final rule on technical guidelines for measuring carbon reductions from climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices under the 45Z program. If adopted, the rule would better position U.S. soybean farmers to access incentives for utilizing practices that generate positive environmental outcomes, improve soil health and help meet the growing demand for biofuels.
Brent Swart, president of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and soybean farmer from Spencer, issued the following statement:
"Today's interim final rule released today by USDA could move the needle on farmers' ability to participate in the booming renewable fuels space, all while helping to reduce emissions and unlock new profit opportunities for the crops we produce. If realized by the incoming administration, the rule would provide a broader range of qualifying CSA practices-providing farmers with greater flexibility to make on-farm decisions that best fit their operation's unique needs.
"While this guidance is not yet final and thus not actionable by farmers and their partners, it is a step in the right direction. We are committed to working with the U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to ensure that these interim rules become actionable. We look forward to working with lawmakers and the incoming administration to provide feedback and ensure soybean farmers and the state's biofuel producers are well positioned to fully access this market opportunity and reduce the carbon intensity for biofuels."
ISA has long championed biofuel policy that supports Iowa's farmers. This interim rule contains several wins that are a direct result of the advocacy of the Iowa Soybean Association and our partners. Under this proposal, new practices such as reduced till and split fertilizer application were added, alongside existing practices like no-till and cover crops. Additionally, the requirement to bundle multiple practices together was also removed.
The association will submit public comment on the proposal in the near future.
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Not funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is "Driven To Deliver" increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state's 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.