The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board voted unanimously on March 12 to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff dollars for research that would benefit foreign countries, including Brazil, Argentina, or China.
Governor Sanders said, “I was the first Governor in the nation to kick communist China off our farmland and out of our state, and I remain committed to safeguarding Arkansas farmers from foreign interference. I fully support yesterday’s decision by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, because the research done by Arkansas’ farmers should never fall into the hands of our foreign adversaries.”
Brad Doyle, Chair of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, said, “Arkansas farmers invest in research to strengthen Arkansas agriculture, not to subsidize the competitive edge of foreign producers. This policy reinforces our board’s commitment to Arkansas soybean producers and aligns with the state’s clear direction on protecting Arkansas agriculture.”
Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, said, “Arkansas agriculture will not allow foreign competitors to profit from Arkansas producer-funded research. Farm security is national security, and this decision draws a clear line: Arkansas-funded research belongs to Arkansas farmers.” The board funded $3.4 million in research projects for fiscal year 2025 focused on breeding and genetics as well as disease management. By restricting funding for projects that could be shared with foreign competitors, the board aims to ensure that new varieties and findings remain available only to U.S. farmers.
This action follows broader legislative efforts in the state and nationally. In 2023, Governor Sanders signed Act 636 into law restricting certain foreign entities from owning agricultural land and increasing oversight of foreign involvement in agriculture. That same year Sanders became the first governor in the country to remove Communist China from farmland in her state.
The Department oversees funding through boards that allocate millions for research and market development in commodities such as rice and soybeans; it also manages an agricultural sector contributing more than $24.3 billion annually with about 37,400 farms spanning roughly 13.7 million acres according to the official website. The Department promotes access to safe water supplies for economic development and public health; maintains Baucum Nursery producing millions of seedlings yearly; honors outstanding forest management through its Forest Stewards recognition; and serves as a government agency focused on resource conservation according to its official website. More information can be found on the official roster page.
