WJBC News

OIG report vindicates United Soybean Board

7/28/2010 12:17:00 PM
By: WJBC Staff

The Office of Inspector General has found insufficient evidence to support the American Soybean Associations allegations of improper use of the soybean checkoff. In an audit released by the OIG, the United Soybean Board was given a clean review. The report indicates that during interviews, some ASA members even said they did not have any documentary evidence that USB was engaged in inappropriate activities. USB Chairman Phil Bradshaw says they arent surprised with the findings

The Inspector General did recommend closer oversight by USB of the U.S. Soybean Export Council in the future. Bradshaw says those are changes that they have already made

And the report states there will be an additional OIG audit conducted on USDAs Ag Marketing Service oversight of the activities of marketing and research boards. That report will be issued separately in October 2010. Bradshaw says this means all checkoff boards will be reviewed

Bradshaw says the OIG report shows ASA has no legal grounds for recourse, so USB believes the matter is finished

And Bradshaw says theyre hopeful the organizations can now move forward unified for U.S. soybean farmers

President Rob Joslin responded that ASA is pleased the soybean checkoff is operating as it should. He says the board asked for the investigation in good faith based on the allegations and concerns received, and acted in the best interest of soybean farmers everywhere. Joslin says the management and board changes made to USSEC after ASA asked for the OIG investigation has resulted in significant leadership and management changes that will better serve soybean farmers. Joslin says they are also pleased they can put the issue behind their industry.

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