Delaware Soybean Board seeks research proposals through Dec. 15

The Delaware Soybean Board is seeking proposals to conduct soybean research during the 2016 growing season; the deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The board is particularly interested in proposals which address solutions to insects and pests; disease detection and prevention; the use of early-maturing varieties to improve yield; and weed control.

The board also is interested in proposals related to soybean marketing opportunities, including quantification of biodiesel use in the state, export opportunities for soybeans, soybean quality, specialty variety opportunities and crop insurance value assessments.

For a full list of research priorities, guidelines and an application form, go to www.desoybeans.org.

The Delaware Soybean Board is funded by the national soybean checkoff program, which assesses one-half of 1 percent of the net market value of soybeans at the first point of sale. The funds are collected for soybean research, marketing and education projects to benefit the soybean industry. The Delaware Soybean Board consists of nine farmer-directors and the secretary of agriculture.

Delaware farmers plant about 180,000 acres of soybeans each year, and the crop generates approximately $60 million in value to the state. Delaware’s agricultural industry contributes about $8 billion per year to the Delaware economy.