US production of non-genetically modified (GM) soyabeans for the food sector remained stable over the past year, according to data from the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
In 2025, non-GM soyabeans designated for food use were planted on 2.2M acres (890,308ha), with 1.67M acres (675,825ha) produced under contract, the 20 October report said.
Non-GM soyabeans represent 2% of all soyabeans produced in the USA, almost unchanged from 2024, according to the USSEC report that expanded on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) data to provide a clearer picture of non-GM soyabean planted area nationwide.
With Chicago Board of Trade soyabean prices holding around US$10/bushel, soyabean production for food use had become an increasingly attractive option for farmers looking to boost profitability, the USSEC said.
For farmers growing non-GM soyabeans under contract, their share of non-GM acres dedicated to soyabeans for food use increased from 65% in 2024 to 67% in 2025, the report said.
“These insights into the non-GM soyabean market help USSEC members and US soya customers understand production trends,” said Will McNair, director, USSEC Soy Foods, Oil and Global Team Development.
“They can also inform efforts to increase the supply of non-GM soyabeans raised for soya food production.”
Exports continued to drive the US non-GM soyabean market for the food sector, with varieties grown primarily for traditional Asian soya foods, the USSEC said.
The top uses of US-grown soyabeans for food use include tofu (41% of planted area), soya milk (21%), natto (14%), miso (9%) and soya sauce (6%), according to the report.
Although Japan, Korea and Taiwan remained the top export markets, demand was also rising from smaller-volume markets in Southeast Asia as well as from US domestic buyers, USSEC said.
