Wisconsin Soybean Checkoff Funds PFAS-free Foam Improving Community Safety
The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) recently showcased how soybean checkoff investments are supporting innovation at Fitchburg Fire Station No. 1. The event highlighted SoyFoam TF1122, a PFAS-free firefighting foam made with soy and other agricultural materials.
WSMB has invested in checkoff dollars to support certification testing for SoyFoam at Chippewa Valley Technical College. The board also helped promote the product to fire departments across Wisconsin, increasing awareness of its benefits for firefighters and communities. The Fitchburg Fire Department received a “golden ticket” package that included a pallet from SoyFoam.
“SoyFoam is an innovative product made from soybeans,” said WSMB President Jonathan Gibbs. “Our board invested soy checkoff money into the certification testing of SoyFoam because we believe in this product and the benefits it provides to our firefighters and to our communities.”
“This innovative product is going to address a critical need in the fire service and hazardous materiel response arena,” said Fitchburg Fire Chief Scott Sarver. “For years, we've been looking for a foam that can do what this product is going to do for us.”
WSMB’s work demonstrates how soybean farmers are investing in research, testing, and commercialization to create everyday products that benefit public safety and the environment.
“They can’t work on policy. We can,” said Wisconsin Soybean Association President Doug Rebout. “While they invested in this product with soybean checkoff money, WSA leaders recognized we needed the help of our legislators to get this product to our fire departments through an already existing program in the state. These are the ways we can help our farms and our local communities.”
State Sen. Melissa Ratcliff also attended the event, highlighting the partnership between farmers, legislators, and local communities.
For Wisconsin soybean farmers, the Fitchburg event reinforced that soybeans have used far beyond traditional markets. Investments in products like SoyFoam help protect firefighters, support communities, and promote environmental stewardship.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-soybean-marketing-board