The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board voted unanimously on March 12 to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff funds for research that could benefit foreign countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and China.
The decision is intended to ensure that research funded by Arkansas soybean producers remains exclusive to local and U.S. farmers, rather than aiding international competitors. The board’s move comes amid ongoing efforts in the state to safeguard agricultural resources from foreign influence.
Governor Sarah Huckabee 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, added: “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 supports growth in the state’s soybean sector through assessments on soybeans grown in Arkansas. In fiscal year 2025, it allocated $3.4 million for projects ranging from breeding and genetics to disease management. By restricting funding for projects that could be shared with foreign competitors, officials aim to keep new varieties and findings within domestic reach.
This action follows broader legislative measures in recent years. In 2023, Governor Sanders signed Act 636 into law restricting certain foreign entities from owning agricultural land and increasing oversight over outside involvement in agriculture. That same year she became the first governor nationally to remove Communist China from farmland in her state.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture oversees funding through boards that allocate millions for research and market development across commodities such as rice and soybeans. The department also promotes access to safe water supplies for economic development and public health; maintains programs like Baucum Nursery for reforestation; recognizes outstanding forest management; manages an agricultural sector contributing more than $24.3 billion annually with about 37,400 farms spanning roughly 13.7 million acres; advances conservation efforts addressing water planning and wildfire protection; and serves as a government agency focused on resource conservation according to its official website.
Looking ahead, supporters say these policies reinforce a commitment both at state level and nationally toward keeping producer-funded advancements within American agriculture.
