Soybean Production to Soar to 8.3 Million Tonnes
Ottawa, ON – Production of one of Canada’s fastest growing crops is expected to reach a record high this year. According to Statistics Canada, national production of soybeans will increase by 29 percent over the last year, bringing the total number of soybeans produced in 2017 to over 8.3 million tonnes.
“Domestic and international demand of high quality food-grade and commodity soybeans continues to skyrocket in the marketplace,” said Soy Canada’s acting Executive Director Dale Adolphe. “It’s no surprise that growers and other members of the value chain are seeing this potential and recognizing the economic value and sustainable benefits of including soybeans in their production cycles.”
The latest report shows that production levels will increase in all growing regions across Eastern and Western Canada. In both Quebec and the Maritimes, production is set to increase by 6 percent to 1.1 million tonnes and 81,000 tonnes, respectively. Ontario will experience a 22 percent gain to 4.1 million tonnes; Manitoba production is on track to grow by 40 percent to 2.4 million tonnes; and Saskatchewan is expected to increase significantly by 170 percent to almost 550,000 tonnes. Today, over 31,000 farmers are growing soybeans.
“Canada is increasingly being recognized by international markets as a reliable and reputable supplier of soybeans,” said Mark Huston, Chair of Soy Canada. “To build on this momentum, Soy Canada has developed an industry strategic plan designed to guide the growth of our sector. One of our targets is to increase production of food-grade and commodity soybeans to 13 million tonnes by 2027. This week’s production numbers signal that we are well on track to meet and perhaps exceed this target over the coming years.”
Soy Canada will be working with all members of the value chain including grower groups, processors, exporters and seed companies to continue this growth, promote Canadian soybeans, and ensure our industry has the essential tools and resources to grow and remain competitive at home and abroad.
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For more information contact:
Dale Adolphe
Executive Director (interim)
613-233-0500
dadolphe@soycanada.ca