Crops Soybeans

Over half of the world's 2007 soybean crop (64%) was genetically modified, a higher percentage than for any other crop. Each year, the EU Member States import approximately 15 million tonnes of soy material, primarily destined for use as cattle, swine, and chicken feed. Soybeans are also used to produce many food additives.

In 2006 236 million tonnes of soybeans were produced worldwide. The world’s leading soybean producers are the United States (37%), Brazil (25%), Argentina (20%), and China (7%). India and Paraguay are also noteworthy soybean producers.

Worldwide soybean production: The first genetically modified soybeans were planted in the United States in 1996. Less than ten years later, GM soybeans are now planted in nine countries covering approximately 54.4 million hectares. These GM soybeans possess a gene that confers herbicide resistance.

Traditional soy products like tofu, miso, and soy sauce are produced from whole soy beans. Soybean production is an important industrial sector in the US and in South America. Most soybeans end up in cattle, swine, and poultry feed.

GM plants are widespread in the world’s leading soybean producing countries. The United States (94%) and Argentina (98%) produce almost exclusively GM soybeans. In these countries, GM soybeans are approved without restrictions and are treated just like conventional soybeans. Producers and government officials in the US and Argentina do not see a reason to keep GM and conventionally bred cultivars separate – whether during harvest, shipment, storage or processing. Soybean imports from these countries generally contain a high amount of GM content. At one time, GM soybeans were not permitted in Brazil. Nevertheless, GM seed was smuggled in from neighbouring countries and planted illegally. Now, GM soybeans are approved. It is estimated that one third of the country’s soybean crop is genetically modified. Most of the Brazil’s conventional soybeans are grown in the northern part of the country. European food and feed companies were able to determine that soybeans from northern Brazil contain little or no GM material. Large-scale, commercial plantings of genetically modified soybeans can also be found in Paraguay, Canada, Romania and South Africa.

Soybean imports into the EU: Each year, the EU imports approximately 40 million tonnes of raw soy products, primarily from Brazil, the United States, and Argentina.

• Imported soy is predominately used to feed livestock. Without the protein offered by soy, Europe would not be able to maintain its current level of livestock productivity.

• During processing, soybeans are pressed in oil mills, and the derived oil is extracted and refined for food use.

• In addition, soybeans are used to produce numerous food ingredients and additives. Lecithin, for example, is used as an emulsifier in chocolate, ice cream, margarine, and baked goods.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• GMO Cultivation area by crop
• Soy beans: Row material for food an feeding