Ontario soybeans around the world
April is National Soy Foods Month! For this month, we’re going to explore one of the most unique things about our soybeans: where they travel after harvest. For most of the grains grown in Ontario, the majority are consumed or processed right here in Canada. Soybeans are the exception, as 53% of the soybeans grown in Ontario are destined for the export market. It makes you wonder: why are so many soybeans exported, and what happens to them once they leave the province?
Commodity soybeans
Most soybeans grown in Ontario are considered commodity soybeans. These beans are primarily destined for the oil crush market, where they are processed into soybean oil and soybean meal. The oil is extracted from the fat in the bean, while the remainder goes on to make protein-rich soybean meal, which is a nutritious food for livestock.
Soybean oil has a wide range of uses. It can be found in cooking oils, sauces, and spreads, but its versatility goes far beyond the kitchen. Like corn produces ethanol, soybean oil can also be processed into a renewable biofuel, known as biodiesel. Soybean oil also has moisturizing properties which make it useful for cosmetic goods like lipstick. Manufacturing these goods requires a lot of soybeans, many of which come from Ontario grain farmers.
Ontario soybeans are known for their reliability in international markets. Soybeans from Canada will travel primarily to China, the European Union, and the United States. These export markets help to support Ontario farmers and create jobs across the province.
Food-grade soybeans
While commodity soybeans are the most common, 20% of Ontario’s soybeans are grown for specifically food use. These soybeans have certain qualities, such as specific protein levels or size, which make them specialized for products like tofu, soy sauce, soy beverages, and miso. Although they are still a growing market in Canada, these foods are a common part of everyday life in many places around the world, like China and Japan. As a result, food-grade soybeans are an important component of Ontario’s export market.
Ontario soybeans have earned an international reputation for quality and reliability. Farmers in the province are leaders in growing, harvesting, and storage practices that preserve the soybeans’ unique qualities. High traceability and safety standards, along with the dedication of grain farmers toward the environment, make our soybeans internationally appealing to buyers looking for clean, reliable grain.
Products featuring local food-grade soybeans are also starting to become more common in Ontario as well. Local producers are making soy-based foods in the province as soybeans have been increasingly recognized as a source of healthy plant-based protein. Around the world, Ontario soybeans are valued for their quality. Whether they are processed into oil, livestock feed, or traditional soy foods, Ontario-grown soybeans play an important role in our global food system. If you are looking to add some soybeans to your diet this National Soy Foods Month, consider trying out some of our recipes and check out some of our previous articles on how you can celebrate with soybeans this month:
