A reputation for quality

Ontario is Canada’s leading soybean producer, contributing an average of 60 per cent of the country’s total output with consistently strong yields. This success is driven by ongoing breeding advancements, a rich history of innovation, effective agronomic practices, and programs dedicated to supporting the growth of soybeans.

One of the key programs driving soybean growth in Canada has been the Soy Quality Program at the Harrow Research and Development Centre, operated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). For over 30 years, the Centre played a vital role in supporting Canada’s food-grade soybean industry through the renowned Soy Quality Program, which provided independent, third-party analysis of Canadian food-grade soybean varieties. The program delivered reliable and valuable data on the quality and performance of Canadian soybeans, supporting the soy value chain by enabling international and domestic buyers to make informed decisions about variety selection and ensuring that the beans they use meet specific end-use requirements.

In November 2023, it was announced that AAFC would discontinue the long-standing Soy Quality Program. The announcement raised significant concern across the industry, as it marked the end of a highly prominent program and a resource that had long been valued for its market insights, stability, and direct benefits to producers and processors alike. In response, Soy Canada led a collaborative effort with key stakeholders from across the value chain to help ensure the program’s future and shape a new Soy Quality Program. Grain Farmers of Ontario played an active role in this initiative, contributing expertise, resources, and producer perspectives to ensure the program continues its vital work in advancing the quality, competitiveness, and reputation of Canadian-grown soybeans, including those grown right here in Ontario.

In October 2024, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) officially assumed leadership of the Soy Quality Program, marking the start of a new chapter for this vital industry initiative. With its long- standing expertise in grain quality assurance and regulation, the CGC is uniquely equipped not only to preserve the program’s trusted legacy but also to drive its growth, innovation, and impact for years to come.

WHAT THE SOY QUALITY PROGRAM OFFERS

Under the CGC’s leadership, the Soy Quality Program continues to provide the independent, science-based quality data that Canadian farmers and exporters rely on.

The program operates through two key testing streams:

• Food-grade variety testing: This stream provides public quality data for existing and newly developed soybean varieties. This helps ensure consistency and transparency for growers and buyers alike and supports informed decision-making across the supply chain.
• Soyfood performance testing: dives deeper, focusing on the end-use performance of early-stage varieties and commercially important lines. These tests are especially valuable for exporters and seed developers targeting soy-based food products such as tofu, miso, and soymilk.

In its first year under the new structure, 27 seed companies and exporters participated, with over 1,600 variety trial samples tested and published. This strong start demonstrates the program’s continued value and integrity. Delivering early results while maintaining integrity and consistency is crucial to the program’s success. When asked about the success of the first year of the Soy Quality Program under the CGC and Soy Canada leadership, Brian Innes, executive director of Soy Canada, said, “Our first year with the Canadian Grain Commission has gone really well. We’re seeing our customers want to know more about how they can collaborate with the program, which shows us they have confidence in it and see the value it provides.”

The Soy Quality Program didn’t end, but it evolved. Thanks to collaborative industry leadership by Soy Canada and the transition to the CGC, the program is

poised to continue driving value for Ontario farmers, exporters, and the broader agri- food sector. In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, the Soy Quality Program is a powerful example of how Canada is investing in the future of food- grade soybean quality and innovation.

PROMOTING ONTARIO’S SOYBEAN EXCELLENCE ABROAD

Recently, Grain Farmers of Ontario welcomed a delegation of eight soybean buyers from Japan as part of a Soy Canada inbound mission. Japanese buyers source Ontario soybeans for a wide range of premium products, including soy sauce, tofu, soymilk, and other specialty foods. This visit highlights the strength of the trade relationship between Ontario and Japan, and reflects the continued global demand for Ontario’s high-quality, identity- preserved soybeans.

Looking ahead, Grain Farmers of Ontario will continue to champion Ontario soybeans as they participate in the upcoming Soy Canada outbound trade mission to Asia. This mission will further strengthen international connections and showcase Ontario’s world-class food-grade soybeans to key buyers across the region.

Hayley Vinkovic is Grain Farmers of Ontario’s market analysis specialist. •