The Atlantic states have limited state-level checkoff resources, coupled with some of the most challenging environmental pressures in the nation. It is critical they combine forces to efficiently address research challenges of mutual interest. The consortium works to identify and prioritize regional research needs, support regional checkoff research activities, improve leveraging of checkoff research investments, ensure that key regional research needs are addressed, and coordinate research activities among QSSBs. ASC staff facilitated an in-person meeting in February with farmer-leaders and QSSB staff to select a project for FY23 funding and discuss other organization matters. ASC facilitated additional zoom meetings with farmer-leaders to handle business throughout the year as needed. Other activities coordinated by ASC staff throughout the year included updating the ASC website and Facebook page as required, planning for the Third Annual Soybean Research Forum & Think Tank meeting, and continuing to work with QSSBs, other regional research collaboratives, and USB to strengthen relationships that maximize efficiencies for U.S. soybean farmers.

This project provides the opportunity for researchers and soybean farmers to identify common areas of research needed. Coordination of checkoff-funded research projects results in fewer duplications of projects. The collaborative nature of the Council, facilitated by ASC staff, provides for innovative projects to be developed and funded, and the results be disseminated by staff to a wider audience of soybean farmers and researchers with the potential to impact future research.