The verdict is out on what factors will weave the fabric of the soybean industry over the next few years. More than a year of visioning and research by a diverse group of industry leaders points to sustainable technologies existing both for soy and other crops.

The verdict is out on what factors will weave the fabric of the soybean industry over the next few years. More than a year of visioning and research by a diverse group of industry leaders points to sustainable technologies existing both for soy and other crops.

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If your tractor were a time machine, how far into the future would you travel to see success? Now, consider doing this without a time machine – that’s what Soy 2020 is attempting. This industry group looked further into the soybean industry’s future than ever before. The goal: create proactive responses to possible challenges and opportunities in the industry that will ensure success and growth for U.S. soy – right down to the farm.

The fervor over renewable fuels keeps building both here and abroad. For example, European Union (EU) leaders now have set a binding overall goal of 20% for renewable energy sources by 2020 in the 27-nation bloc. That's compared to their present use of 6.5%. The plan does, however, allow for flexibility in how each country contributes to the overall EU target.

In an effort to position the soybean industry for the future, a visioning process dubbed “Soy 2020” was announced at the Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla., on March 2.

No one knows what the future holds in store, but thanks to a partnership between the soybean checkoff and other leading groups and businesses throughout the soybean value chain, the soybean industry will be prepared to continue to thrive in the future.

TAMPA (March 2, 2007) – No one knows what the future holds in store, but thanks to a partnership between the soybean checkoff and other leading groups and businesses throughout the soybean value chain, the soybean industry will be prepared to continue to thrive in the future. The group came together to drive the success of the soybean industry despite whatever challenges the future may hold.

Biofuels will play a major role in the soybean industry for the next 10 to 15 years under the United Soybean Board’s Soy 2020 released Friday morning at the Commodity Classic in Tampa, Florida.

It's an age-old question for anyone charged with trying to chart future strategy for their business or organization: Which investments will provide the biggest bang for the buck?