Canada launches $4.3 mln project to develop high-protein, non-GM soybeans

A three-year, $4.3 million breeding program has been launched in Canada to develop early-maturing, high-yielding, non-GM soybean varieties with elevated protein content. The new lines are being specifically adapted for northern growing regions, including Manitoba and northern Ontario, to expand the soybean production zone and strengthen the country’s export position.

The project is funded by Protein Industries Canada (45%) and four industry partners — NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods (55%). Work will continue until March 2028, after which commercialization of the new varieties is planned.

According to Masud Rizvi, President of NRGene Canada, the program aims to create non-GM varieties that can compete with GM soybeans in terms of yield, disease resistance, and protein quality — including resistance to soybean cyst nematode. This will help close the productivity gap between the two market segments.

Demand for plant-based protein is growing rapidly in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries, and the new varieties are expected to strengthen Canadian farmers’ positions in these markets. Project partner Yumasoy Foods will test the high-protein lines and explore new processing applications, which is anticipated to create additional jobs in the food industry.

Protein Industries Canada emphasized that investments in breeding will allow the country to maintain its status as a leading soybean supplier and further expand export opportunities.

Tags: soybean, Canada