Soybean checkoff farmer-leaders have just created Qualisoy, a coalition with all parts of the soybean value chain committed to developing and commercializing enhanced composition traits that add value to U.S. soybeans.
Heading the new group is David Durham, immediate past chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB) and a farmer from Hardin, MO. The board, consisting of 22 representatives of all facets of the U.S. soybean industry, should build on composition research achievements already made by the soybean checkoff.
"Through Qualisoy, soybean checkoff farmer-leaders were able to bring together representatives from companies that normally compete against each other to work together for the benefit of all U.S. soybean farmers," says USB Chairman Criss Davis, Shullsburg, WI. "Research includes the development of varieties that address human health issues, such as reducing the amount of trans fats in certain foods."
So far, Monsanto is contributing gene sequence data and an $8.4 million grant. The grant will be earmarked for ongoing support of research and communication.
