Canada has just backed a non-GMO soybean revolution with $4.3M investment.
Canadian farmers are about to get new tools to thrive in a fast-changing global market, thanks to a $4.3 million investment aimed at reinventing Canada’s non-GMO soybean sector.
Led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd.—with support from Protein Industries Canada—the new project promises to boost innovation in plant-based foods while giving Canadian producers access to premium international markets.
“With the support of Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s five global innovation clusters, this project will expand soybean production across our country, helping to not only create new economic opportunities and a competitive edge for Canadian farmers and producers but also meet the increasing global demand for quality plant-based products,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry.
The push comes at a critical time. Demand for identity-preserved (IP) soybeans is booming, especially in Asia, where they’re used in tofu and soya milk. But with fewer commercial investments in non-GMO varieties, Canadian farmers have struggled to maintain their position in this high-value export market.
Now, that could change.
“Canadian farmers have a proud history of producing high-quality, identity-preserved soybeans that meet the most demanding international food standards,” said Robert Hunter, CEO of Protein Industries Canada. “This investment gives our farmers the tools they need to stay competitive in the global market, while also creating new economic opportunities here at home, for both farmers and food processors.”
The project will launch a new breeding program focused on early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybeans suited to Canada’s northern climates. That includes varieties bred for higher yield, resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), and adaptability to diverse growing conditions—helping close the performance gap between GMO and non-GMO options.
“This investment represents a turning point for Canada’s non-GMO soybean sector,” said Masood Risvi, General Manager of NRGene Canada. “By combining advanced genomics with farmer-driven breeding goals, we’re creating varieties that meet global demand for food-grade soy while enabling more farmers, from southern Ontario to northern Manitoba, to compete in high-value markets.”
The benefits for producers are clear: more seed choices, better returns, and increased confidence when targeting export markets.
“I’m thankful to be a part of this visionary project funded by Protein Industries Canada and supported by our consortium partners,” said Pete Giesbrecht from Pulse Genetics. “Our goal of developing innovative, regionally adapted food-grade soy varieties with unique quality traits for both domestic and export markets will create value and expanded opportunity for Canadian farmers.”
For Hensall Co-op, which plays a key role in exporting IP soybeans, the project represents a chance to build on a legacy of quality and traceability.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to innovation and agronomic excellence,” said Brad Grabham, Hensall Co-op’s General Manager of Food Products and Strategic Business Development. “As a leading exporter of identity-preserved soybeans, we’re focused on connecting Canadian growers with markets that demand high-quality, traceable, and sustainably grown products.”
But the innovation doesn’t stop in the field.
A second phase of the project will see the creation of a novel soy-based protein unlike anything currently on the market: a single-ingredient product made from extruded whole non-GMO soybeans. Designed to mimic meat, the high-protein shreds retain all the nutrients of the original bean and can be used in dishes traditionally made with chicken, pork, steak, or tofu.
“This investment is a game changer—not just for Yumasoy, but for consumers seeking clean-label, high-protein foods, and for the future of food innovation in Canada,” said Gina Arsens, CEO of Yumasoy Foods Ltd. “It allows us to scale a uniquely Canadian product that transforms whole soybeans into a versatile, meat-like protein—opening new doors for business growth, sustainability, and more food choices at home and around the world.”
Funded with $1.9 million from Protein Industries Canada and $2.4 million from industry partners, the project supports the broader Road to $25 Billion initiative—Canada’s vision to become a global powerhouse in plant-based food, feed, and ingredients.
