Rising global demand for non-GMO soybeans is creating new opportunities for growers, with stronger premiums, expanded processing capacity, improved genetics, and growing export demand from Europe and Asia.
Canada’s non-genetically modified (non-GMO) soybean market is experiencing increased demand, creating new opportunities for growers and processors, according to representatives of Ceresco during a presentation at a Farms.com event.
Andrew Hodges, a Crop Advisor with Ceresco, discussed the changing soybean market alongside a company representative responsible for sales and procurement. Based in Canada, Ceresco has operated since the early 1980s and specializes in non-GMO soybeans for domestic and international markets.
Hodges shared recent investments in processing capacity, improved soybean genetics, and export market requirements as key factors shaping the sector’s growth.
Hodges said demand for non-GMO soybeans has increased in recent years as supplies have tightened, and premiums have become more attractive to producers.
In response, Ceresco has expanded its operations, including investments in its St. Albert, Ontario, facility. The company has committed approximately $6 million to upgrades at its main cleaning facility, increasing processing capacity from nine to 20 tons per hour.
Additional improvements at St. Albert include expanded storage, a larger unloading pit, upgraded grain-handling equipment and a continuous-flow dryer. The facility can also clean and prepare soybeans for export in different packaging formats.
Some beans are processed into soya grits for European markets, while specialty varieties intended for tofu and natto production are shipped primarily to Japan.
Hodges said Ceresco handled approximately 85,000 acres of soybeans annually across its facilities, with more than 60,000 acres coming from Ontario and Quebec. Purchases increased by 15% in 2025 and another 20% in 2026, reflecting growing demand.
The presentation also examined soybean varieties suited to different markets. Natto soybeans, which have small seeds, can command substantial premiums even when their yields are slightly lower than conventional varieties.
Tofu soybeans are valued for their protein content, colour and taste, while higher-yielding non-GMO varieties can serve bulk markets in Europe, including soybean crushing and animal feed production.
Representatives emphasized that variety selection should reflect field conditions, expected yields and market premiums.
Producers considering identity-preserved soybeans were encouraged to begin with clean fields, as weed pressure can reduce yields and undermine the financial benefits of premium contracts.
Sustainability certification was another important discussion point. Ceresco said its certification has helped provide access to European markets, where sustainability documentation is becoming increasingly important for agricultural imports.
Hodges also reviewed advances in soybean genetics, including varieties with improved disease and nematode resistance. They encouraged growers to evaluate suitable varieties with crop advisors and prioritize effective weed management.
As international demand develops, investments in processing infrastructure, improved genetics and sustainable production practices could help Canadian growers strengthen their position in the specialty soybean market.
Watch the full Ceresco Andrew Hodges demo presentation from the 2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour below.