Soymilk Challenge; Confirmation Delays

Soybean producers and the makers of soy food products are fighting back against draft legislation that would restrict the marketing of soymilk.

In a letter to members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the American Soybean Association and the Soyfoods Association of North America took aim at Senate Bill 130, referred to as the “Dairy Pride Act.”

The bill would prohibit the term “milk” from being used with soymilk and soymilk-based products, under the premise that the term “milk” is misleading to consumers.

Bitter Senate fights over President Trump’s nominees, plus a backlog of FBI background investigations, are leaving departments and agencies critical to farmers and ranchers without new leadership.

Even nominees who aren’t particularly controversial, including Sonny Perdue, Trump’s pick for Ag Secretary, are caught in the logjam.

Perdue’s nomination is likely to sail through the Senate, but Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts told Agri-Pulse he’s waiting to schedule a confirmation hearing until Perdue’s FBI background check is completed. “Everything’s backed up.”

With the Senate out of session the week of February 20th, Perdue’s hearing could easily slip until the end of the month.

Say hello to the new members of the House Agriculture Committee. At a business meeting last week, Chairman Mike Conaway welcomed the rookies, six Republicans and six Democrats.

The Committee has 46 members for the 115th Congress, 26 Republicans and 20 Democrats.