American Soybean Association officials are "cautiously optimistic" that USDA will heed their request for $1 billion in donations to other countries of soybeans, soy oil and soy meal.  The statement came at a news conference Tuesday after ASA officials met with Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.

ASA sent a letter March 11 to Glickman making the request.  Increasing U.S. soy exports and domestic demand through greater use of biodiesel fuels in government vehicles would improve farm income and market returns, ASA said.

Mike Yost, ASA president, who signed the letter, told Glickman that the season average price for 1999 crop soybeans is projected at no more than $4.35 a bushel, "the lowest level in nearly 30 years."  It represents a decline of 33% from the average price for the 1997 crop and a reduction in the value of U.S. soybean production of $5.3 billion, he added.

The association also wants USDA to use biodiesel blends in at least half the government's diesel-powered vehicles by 2002.
 A $1 billion purchase and donation or concessional sales program for soybeans and products is not unique, Yost said.  It was implemented last year by the administration for wheat and wheat products using Commodity Credit Corporation and Section 416(b) authorities.

"We believe a donation and long-term concessional sales program would be effective in not only boosting U.S. soy exports in the short term but al in building long-term demand for U.S. soy products," he told Glickman.