The United Soybean Board's Better Bean Initiative : Building United States Soybean Competitiveness from the Inside Out

Abstract

Improving compositional quality traits for oil and protein content in soybeans has been a key factor in the industry for almost a decade. In order to build United States soybean competitiveness, the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff have initiated an effort entitled the Better Bean Initiative (BBI) and its Technology Utilization Center (TUC) to explore and improve soybean composition. This article addresses current trends in US soybean production that have affected our global competitiveness and how the BBI can improve our overall competitiveness position and increase share of domestic and internal markets. The importance of identifying and addressing key end-user needs are also highlighted.