Three Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) soybean farmers met with a Chinese talk show host in Chicago on December 12 to be interviewed for an upcoming Chinese documentary that will focus on biotechnology in the U.S.  Former United Soybean Board (USB) Director Sharon Covert, American Soybean Board (ASA) Vice President Ron Moore and ASA Director and chair of the ISA marketing committee, Ron Kindred, sat down with Chinese television personality Cui Yongyuan to share their views on the safety of biotech crops in the U.S. and the confidence that U.S. farmers have in the safety and benefits of GMOs.  Mr. Cui also met with USSEC Chairman Randy Mann; the staff of the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL); and Dr. Mark Messina, a nutrition professor and internationally recognized expert on the health effects of soy.  On December 13, soybean farmer Doug Harford hosted the documentary crew at his Mazon, Illinois farm.

These farmers welcomed the opportunity to speak about the benefits of biotechnology to the Chinese crew.  Topics discussed included safety, sustainability, nutrition, higher yields, consumer choice, and environmental impact.