Fairs Encouraged to ‘Go Green’ with Green Ribbon Fairs Program
HARRISBURG, PA (Jan. 31, 2012) – Soy can be found in many products we might use every day. The United Soybean Board (USB) and the Pennsylvania Soybean Board hope to deliver this message to Pennsylvania fairgoers though the Green Ribbon Fairs reimbursement program, aimed at encouraging fairs across the country to promote and use soybased products.
Through the annual program, now in its second year, fairs can apply to be reimbursed for using and promoting soy-based products on their fairgrounds year-round, as well as during the fairs. Soy-based products that could be used include paints, insulation, ink, biodiesel fuel, hand sanitizers, cleaning and maintenance products, dust suppressants and more.
Applications for the Green Ribbon Fairs reimbursement program will be accepted until Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. Participants in the 2012 program will be notified in mid-March. Interested fairs can contact Laura Schafer, 888/235- 4332 ext. 1755 for complete details of the program and an application.
The program is sponsored through the national soybean checkoff. The checkoff funds research and development of soy-based products, including many on the market today. Soy products represent renewable, U.S.-grown alternatives that, in some cases, outperform their petroleum-based counterparts.
About the USB
USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org.
About the Pennsylvania Soybean Board
The Pennsylvania Soybean Board is a farmer-controlled Board responsible for managing Pennsylvania’s share of funds received from the nationwide Soybean Checkoff program. The funding is available under an assessment program, approved by Congress in 1990, under which soybean farmers contribute 50 cents of every $100 they receive for their beans at the first point of sale. Funds are used to develop markets, educate consumers, and research new ways to utilize and produce soybeans more efficiently.
For more information, go to pasoybean.org.
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