WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that Daniel J. Corcoran, a Pike County farmer, was appointed by the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to serve on the United Soybean Board. Corcoran is one of only 19 members across the nation to be appointed.

“Ohio’s leadership in agriculture positions Mr. Corcoran as a leading national voice for the soybean industry,” Brown said. “As we continue consideration of the 2012 Farm Bill, I look forward to working with Mr. Corcoran to expand markets for Ohio’s soybean farmers and help lead our state’s economic recovery.” 

The 69-member board is authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Appointees were selected based on nominations by the Qualified State Soybean Boards. All appointees will serve 3-year terms beginning December 2011.

In 2010, according to USDA statistics, domestic soybean exports accounted for 16 percent of the value of all U.S. agricultural exports in 2010. The board’s goal is to strengthen the position of soybeans in the marketplace and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for soybeans and soybean products. 

Brown is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 40 years and the first Ohioan ever to serve simultaneously on the Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee. Agriculture is Ohio’s largest industry.

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