Soy Canada disappointed by closure of AAFC’s soy quality program

Harrow, ON – A delegation of Soy Canada members met at the Harrow Research and Development Centre of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC), amidst news that the world-famous soy quality program housed at the centre is set to close. The soy quality program has helped create Canada’s reputation for top quality food-grade soybeans and helped farmers have timely access to new varieties. The industry remains committed to maintaining a Canadian soy quality program and calls on the Government of Canada to partner in maintaining a crucial pillar of Canada’s food-grade soy sector.

“Standing in the birthplace of Canada’s soy industry was profoundly moving and also incredibly disappointing as we plan what comes next” says Brian Innes, executive director of Soy Canada. “AAFC has told us that the Harrow soy quality program will close, but we call on the Government of Canada to work with us to maintain a Canadian soy quality program.”

The Harrow soy quality program has supported the Canadian food-grade soybean industry for three decades, partnering with industry for more than 20 years. The program has been instrumental in building the Canadian food grade soy industry into a value-added powerhouse. More than $1.5 billion in food grade soybeans are exported to diverse customers around the world annually, offering farmers a value-added crop and supporting dozens of seed developers and exporters throughout Canada.