So much that is good for soybean farmers has been achieved in the public policy arena, whether it is the federal “safety net” for commodity crops or favorable trade policy or tax incentives for biodiesel producers. The association develops policy options that benefit soybean producers and presents these options at congressional and legislative visits in Washington D.C. and in Raleigh, at public hearings and conferences around the state and nation, and at meetings with top decision makers and soybean industry leaders.

The association voices the recommendations developed by its board of directors and approved at the Annual Membership Meeting. The association strives to protect and support the legitimate interests of North Carolina's soybean producers through the influence of government policies at local, state and national levels. In addition, the association is the state affiliate of the American Soybean Association and engages in national policy development through the ASA policy resolutions process.

Membership

All North Carolina soybean growers who are assessed the soybean checkoff are members of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association.  Agribusiness professionals in the soybean industry enjoy associate member status.  No need to pay dues or fill in membership applications.  All members are entitled to vote at membership meetings and choose their representation on the state soybean board.  Members approve the annual resolutions that establish the policies and policy objectives of the membership and the board.

NC SoyPAC

The consumer and political climate in which farmers operate and the legislative landscape is constantly changing, never more so than in the last few years.  Now more than ever, it is important for soybean farmers to stand up to protect their right to farm and their way of life.  The NC SoyPAC advocates for federal policies favorable to the soybean industry, by supporting candidates for federal election who support farmers.  NC SoyPAC accepts voluntary, non-tax deductible contributions from soybean farmers and soybean agribusiness industry professionals.

The North Carolina Soybean Producers Association was the first state soybean board in the nation to combine the functions of checkoff-funded research and promotion activities and non-checkoff funded grassroots policy advocacy. Both functions are accomplished separately by the association under the governance of one combined board. This model has functioned well in North Carolina since the creation of the national soybean checkoff in 1991 and the prohibition on using soybean checkoff dollars to influence policy.