The Checkoff Brings Return to Farmers

Infographic about the power of soybean investment, showing statistics on increased U.S. jobs, economic growth, exports, domestic demand, and farm value, with a central illustration of a soybean pod.

Soybean farmers and their checkoff, working through the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association and the United Soybean Board, are building innovative programs to increase the value of the soybean and its products. Every dollar invested in the checkoff returns $12.30 (2024) in net revenue to the soybean industry.

The Soybean Promotion and Research Order is authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act [7 U.S.C. 6301-6311], passed in the 1990 Farm Bill. It authorized the establishment of a national soybean promotion, research, and consumer information program. Soy growers can request a referendum on the future of their checkoff every 5 years.

A mandatory assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market price of soybeans is collected at the first point of sale. Half of the amount collected remains within the state and the other half is forwarded to the United Soybean Board which makes project investments nationwide.

Soybean farmers can be proud of their checkoff, which has supported the industry through customer outreach, research to increase soybean yield and quality, and global marketing to expand export efforts.

Industries We Touch

  • Animal Agriculture

    Due to the large concentrations of protein and nutrients in soymeal, animal agriculture is the largest customer of soybeans, both nationally and in North Carolina.

  • Renewable Fuel

    Soybean oil can be used to make clean fuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel! Clean fuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

  • Industrial Uses

    Soybeans can be processed in different ways to create countless environmentally friendly industrial products, including SoyFoam- a non-toxic, PFAS-free firefighting foam!

  • International Marketing

    The NCSPA works to eliminate any barriers that may impede sales of N.C. soybeans to foreign partners. NC soybeans are exported at a port in Wilmington.