By Jordan Lamb, The Welch Group

On November 4, 2025, the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) testified before the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue in support of Senate Bill 474, legislation that would make fire suppression products derived from soybeans eligible for grants under the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) fire suppression program.

Under current law, the DNR provides grants covering up to 50 percent of the cost of equipment, supplies, and training related to forest fire suppression. Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) authored SB 474 to expand the definition of “eligible costs” to include the purchase of soy-based firefighting materials, a step that connects public safety needs with Wisconsin’s agricultural innovation.

WSA President Doug Rebout testified before the Committee, urging support for the bill and highlighting how it promotes the use of cutting-edge, environmentally responsible products made from Wisconsin-grown soybeans.

The Committee also heard from David Garlie, Chief Technology Officer at Cross Plains Solutions, who explained the scientific development behind SoyFoam, a soybean-derived firefighting product. Garlie described its enhanced safety and environmental profile: the foam is PFAS-free, fluorine-free, biodegradable, non-toxic to aquatic and mammalian species, non-corrosive, and safe for firefighters to handle, leaving no persistent chemical residues in groundwater.

In addition, Chris Turner, a firefighter and fire science instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College, testified in support of SB 474, citing SoyFoam’s proven effectiveness and improved safety for fire personnel and communities.

The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board has long invested in research and innovation to expand sustainable, value-added uses for soybeans beyond food and feed. This soy-based firefighting product exemplifies how Wisconsin agriculture is driving high-tech, environmentally sound solutions that benefit both farmers and first responders.

WSA urges lawmakers to pass this common-sense, bipartisan legislation that strengthens public safety, supports Wisconsin farmers, and promotes homegrown innovation.