Non-GMO Soybean Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The global non-genetically modified organisms (GMO) soybean market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.58% over the forecast period to reach a market valuation of US$73.701 billion by 2029, from US$57.631 billion in 2022.

Several significant factors are driving the global non-GMO soybean market growth. One primary driver is the increasing consumer concern regarding the potential health risks associated with GMOs. Worries about allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, and broader implications on human health are prompting many individuals to actively seek out non-GMO alternatives, such as non-GMO soybeans.

Additionally, non-GMO soybean production is often associated with more sustainable farming practices, including reduced pesticide and herbicide usage, as well as the promotion of biodiversity.

Furthermore, some countries have implemented restrictions or outright bans on GMO products, creating lucrative export opportunities for non-GMO soybean producers and thereby expanding the global market.

Notably, the United States stands as one of the largest exporters of soybeans, with a production of 49 metric tons in 2023 . The USDA estimates that approximately 4.4 million acres in the U.S. are dedicated to non-GMO soybean cultivation, 1,924,010 is given to non-GMO food-grade soybean out of a total soybean acreage of 87,455,000 in 2022.

Moreover, there is a growing awareness surrounding GMO labeling regulations, with some countries mandating labeling requirements for GMO products. This increased transparency empowers consumers to make informed choices and can lead to heightened demand for non-GMO options like soybeans

Demand for plant proteins

A growing number of consumers are embracing vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets, which has spurred a significant uptick in the demand for plant-based protein alternatives. Non-GMO soybeans, renowned for their versatility and cost-effectiveness, serve as a pivotal ingredient in numerous plant-based meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and various other food products.

According to a recent report published by the European Commission, it is projected that the soybean cultivation area within the EU-27 will witness a 30% expansion, reaching 1.3 million hectares by 2035, up from 1.0 million hectares in 2023. 

The report anticipates a notable shift in land utilization within the EU, with a transition from cereals to soybeans and pulses between 2023 and 2035. This shift in land use is driven by several factors, including anticipated reduced demand for cereals as feed, policy incentives promoting crop rotation and the cultivation of protein crops, escalating demand for plant-based proteins and local products, a surge in GMO-free labeled products, and a push towards deforestation-free soybean production .

Further, consumers are increasingly prioritizing concerns regarding the health implications of animal protein consumption and the environmental footprint of animal agriculture. Non-GMO soybeans are perceived as a healthier and more sustainable alternative protein source compared to traditional animal-derived protein sources.

The non-GMO soybean application in soybean meal is estimated to grow

Non-GMO soybean is the basis for the manufacturing of soybean meal, a flexible and nutrient-rich material mostly used in animal feed and other industrial uses. Soybean meal, a residue high in protein, is formed by crushing the soybeans to liberate the oil during the extraction process. This soybean meal is highly regarded and is an essential part of animal diets, especially for aquaculture, pigs, cattle, and poultry, because of its high protein content.

The majority of soybeans produced globally are kept before being sent in huge quantities to industrial facilities where they are further processed into oil and meal. When soybeans are crushed to make soybean oil and meal, soybean processors contribute the greatest value to the supply chain. Additionally, they can make choices and benefit from favorable market circumstances by increasing the amount of soybeans crushed, meal, or oil produced.

As per the data published by the USDA, a significant portion of the total feed used is feed waste increased by 1% in MY 2020-2021. 5.7 million tonnes of soybean meal, 4.5 million tonnes of cottonseed meal (mostly used as animal feed), 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed meal, 1.6 million tonnes of peanut meal, and the remaining 0.92 million tonnes of other oil meals were utilized as feed in India. Additionally, the consumption of soybean meal in India has significantly increased from 5,700 thousand tonnes in the marketing year 2020/21 to 5,750 thousand tonnes in the year 2021/22. 

Furthermore, India's non-genetically modified soybean meal is in consistent demand in the EU and the US, and demand from Iran is also rising. Generally, the top importers of Indian food are Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and the United States. Opportunities for Indian food have historically been reduced by meals from other markets that are priced competitively, especially among consumers in Asia and the Middle East. 

As the need for openness and sustainability in agriculture grows, non-GMO certification guarantees that the soybean meal satisfies the requirements of consumers and animal producers looking for non-genetically modified feed components. It helps meet the nutritional requirements of chickens and cattle by building muscle and promoting healthy growth and general health when added to complex meals. Soybean meal is used in businesses other than animal feeding, including adhesives, polymers, and bio-based goods. This highlights the meal's significance across a range of industries. Overall, non-GMO soybean meal is essential to sustainable animal husbandry and satisfies a range of consumer and producer demands.

Industry participants in the non-GMO soybean meal sector concentrate on securing certifications and opening up the supply chain. To enhance nutrition and quality, they develop novel soybean cultivars and processing methods. Targeting specialized markets and broadening their reach are the goals of strategic branding, marketing, and collaborations.

Furthermore, recent research found that the soymeal produced at the AdamPolSoya (ATK Group) crusher in Ukraine had 80% lower CO2 emissions than the typical soybean meal sold in Europe since it is made only from certified, sustainable, and non-GMO soybeans. The AdamPolSoya (ATK Group) in the Khmelnitsky region of Ukraine exclusively uses Europe Soya certified soybeans, which significantly reduces the processed certified soybean meal's carbon footprint. The study was conducted by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) Austria.

The market is projected to grow in the North American region.

American farmers are planting more non-GMO soybeans due to low commodity soybean prices, attractive premiums, and rising costs for genetically modified soybean seed. University representatives, grain buyers, and soybean association representatives all state that as demand for non-GMO soybeans rises, more non-GMO acres will be planted. Since their introduction, genetically modified Roundup Ready soybeans have accounted for a growing portion of US soybean acreage annually.

In the United States, 4.4 million of the 87.2 million soybean acres planted in 2021 are non-GMO. This is contrasted with an estimated 4.1 million in 2022 and 5 million in 2020. About 2.6 million acres were planted by American soy farmers with food-grade soybeans, which are sold for tofu, soymilk, miso, natto, sprouts, and other uses. Feed-grade soy covered the remaining 1.7 million acres of non-GMO soy.

In addition, expansion ventures by international players into the market are further expected to boost the non-GMO soybeans demand in the country. For instance, in January 2024, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Beck's, renowned for their premium opportunities and diverse genetics, announced a strategic licensing agreement with SOYLEIC® soybeans. By utilizing Beck's extensive network, this partnership benefits the high oleic (HO) sector and perfectly complements SOYLEIC®'s objective of providing soybean farmers with access to HO genetics .

In contrast to conventional oils, high oleic soybean oil offers numerous advantages and several desirable characteristics. American-grown high-oleic soybean oil improves the fat profile, adds a neutral flavour, prolongs the shelf life of products, and lets the food take centre stage. It also offers some of the longest fry times of any edible oil. Furthermore, SOYLEIC® is the only non-GMO soybean variety currently offered, even though there are other high oleic varieties on the market.

Moreover, in February 2022, TruVailTM, a new line of domestically sourced, non-GMO plant-based protein ingredients with special sustainability benefits, was introduced by Benson Hill, Inc., a food technology company that is unlocking the genetic diversity of plants. The first products offered by the TruVailTM brand are high-protein soy flour, a less processed version of soy protein concentrate (SPC), and texturized proteins that can be used in a variety of conventional soy protein applications as well as the quickly expanding markets for alternative plant-based proteins.

Key Market Developments:

• February 2023, the first-ever organic soybean meal hedge was launched by Stable, a supplier of technology-based solutions for commodity price risk management. The transaction will be completed about the Midwest US pricing of Fastmarkets organic soybean meal. In the case of abrupt price fluctuations, producers and consumers of organic grains and oilseeds will be able to limit the range of potential outcomes by combining Stable's price risk management tools with Fastmarkets' organic and non-GMO indexes.
• February 2022, Benson Hill, Inc. announced the launch of TruVailTM, a new range of domestically produced, non-GMO plant-based protein ingredients with special sustainability advantages. The first products offered under the TruVailTM brand include high-protein soy flour, a less processed version of soy protein concentrate (SPC), and texturized proteins that may be used in a variety of conventional soy protein applications as well as the quickly expanding markets for alternative plant-based proteins.

Key Players:

• ADM, a global leader in agricultural processing, has strategically expanded its portfolio to include non-GMO soybean processing capabilities. This aligns with their growth strategy, catering to the increasing demand for non-GMO soybeans in the human and animal nutrition sectors. ADM's focus on differentiated products underscores its commitment to meet evolving consumer needs while supporting local farmers through enhanced market opportunities.
• Laura Soybeans, a specialty soybean supplier, focuses solely on non-GMO soybeans, catering to consumers seeking high-quality, sustainable options. Their dedication to maintaining strict non-GMO standards ensures purity and traceability throughout the supply chain. Laura Soybeans' niche approach positions them as a trusted source for non-GMO soybeans, appealing to customers who prioritize transparency and authenticity in their food choices.
• Grain Millers Inc. is known for its expertise in processing grains, including non-GMO soybeans. With a commitment to sustainable sourcing and processing practices, Grain Millers Inc. offers a wide range of non-GMO soybean products tailored to various food and feed applications. Their focus on quality and innovation makes them a preferred partner for customers seeking reliable and responsibly sourced ingredients in the non-GMO soybean market.

Segmentation:

By Product

• Crushed Soybean
• Whole Beans

By Application

• Soybean Oil
• Soybean Meal
• Food for Human Consumption
• Others

By Soybean Format

• Textured Soy Protein
• Soy Flour
• Soy Concentrates
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada              
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Others