U.S. Soybean Growers Join ASA Team For Human Health Initiatives
ASA selected soybean growers from nine states to participate on the WISHH committee for 2012-13.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 23, 2012
Sixteen soybean growers from nine states have joined the American Soybean Association's World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Committee for 2012-13. WISHH Committee Members reelected David Iverson of South Dakota as chair and Andy Welden of Michigan as vice chair. Illinois grower Dan Farney is the new treasurer. Lucas Heinen of Kansas now serves as secretary.
New WISHH Committee Members for 2012-13 are: Gary Berg, Ill.; Ron Bunjer, Minn.; Ryan Cahoon, N.C.; Dean Coleman, Iowa; Levi Huffman, Ind.; Mike Marron, Ill.; Joe Murphy, Ill., and Art Wosick, N.D. Returning to the Committee are Scott Fritz, Ind.; Monica McCranie, S.D.; Darrel McGriff, Ind., and Randy Van Kooten, Iowa. United Soybean Board Director Mary Lou Smith and Drew Klein, representing the U.S. Soybean Export Council, serve as ex-officio members of the Committee.
FY13 program committee members shown left to right. Front row: Ryan Cahoon, Joe Murphy, Gary Berg, Mike Marron, Levi Huffman, Mary Lou Smith (ex-officio USB), and Andy Welden. Back row: Jim Hershey, Darrel McGriff, David Iverson; Dan Farney, Lucas Heinen, and Art Wosick. Not pictured: Randy Van Kooten, Monica McCranie, Dean Coleman, Ron Bunjer, Scott Fritz, and Drew Klein (ex-officio USSEC). Wellman and Iverson recognize outgoing WISHH Members: Ken Bartlett, N.C.; Pat Dumoulin, Ill.; C.W. Gaffner, Ill.; Jared Hagert, N.D.; John Heisdorffer, Iowa; Barb Overlie, Minn., and Jack Trumbo, Ky.
"ASA thanks the visionary farmers who have led and those who will now lead WISHH to new market frontiers for U.S. soy," said ASA President Steve Wellman. "Building overseas markets for any product takes years, but WISHH has already created new markets for our soy in Africa and beyond."
A USDA white paper released in July highlights the importance of developing countries. It cites the world population is estimated at 7 billion as of May 2012 and will increase to more than 9 billion by 2050. Currently, nearly one billion people globally are estimated to be food insecure, with 44% residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to USDA Economist Shahla Shapouri.
"Growing populations and increasing incomes are driving demand for U.S. soy protein in developing countries," said Iverson. "We look forward to working with the many developing country entrepreneurs and organizations that are eager to use U.S. soy to improve the diets as well as economic opportunities in these countries."
Since U.S. soybean farmers founded WISHH in 2000, WISHH has worked in 23 countries to improve diets, as well as encourage growth of food industries.
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Tagged: usda, ASA, soybean association, American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board
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