Sustainable Soy Production: Canada’s Commitment to Global Stewardship
Canada’s soybean industry is built on a foundation of family-owned, multi-generational farms. Our growers are stewards of the land, working to ensure that Canadian agriculture remains economically viable and environmentally resilient for future generations. Through a whole value chain commitment—from seed innovation to export—Soy Canada is driving continuous improvement in soil health, climate action, and resource efficiency.
Priorities for Canadian Soybean Sustainability
Sustainability is built into every hectare of Canadian soy. Canadian farmers utilize climate-smart technology and conservation-first practices to ensure a resilient and sustainable soy supply chain. Grounded in data from Statistics Canada and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, here are the five priorities and how we’re making progress to drive our industry forward.
Land Use Efficiency
Canadian farmers are focused on producing more from each unit of farmland by adopting new technologies and best management practices.
Our Progress: Between 1971 and 2021, soybean yields have increased by 59%.1
Climate-Smart Farming
Canadian farmers have adopted best management practices to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases, and sequester carbon. Soybeans take nitrogen from the air and fix it in the soil, which means less nitrogen-based fertilizers are required for crop production.
Our Progress: In 2021, 94% of farms used Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and tested soil for nutrient content.2
Soil Health & Conservation
Canadian farmers are focused on maintaining and improving soil health using conservation tillage and no-till practices, crop rotations, and cover cropping.
Our Progress: In 2021, Canadian growers reported implementing no-till practices on 61% of acres and managed 25% of acres using conservation tillage.3
Water Stewardship
Canadian farmers protect Canada’s pristine water bodies with buffer zones and 4R Nutrient Management (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place).
Our Progress: Nearly all Canadian soybeans are rainfed. In 2017, 76% of Canadian growers used buffer zones to protect water bodies.4
Biodiversity & Habitat Preservation
Canadian farmers build on Canada’s robust legislation implemented to protect at-risk and endangered species and promote the preservation of forests, by implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Our Progress: Canada’s Species at Risk Act serves to protect wildlife and plants. For every 1 hectare of farmland in Canada, there are over 5 hectares of forest providing habitat.5
1 Statistics Canada. Field Crop Reporting Series, 2021.
2 Statistics Canada. Farm Management Survey, 2021.
3 Statistics Canada. Census of Agriculture, 2021.
4 Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops. Canadian Grain Producer Survey, 2017.
5 Natural Resources Canada. The State of Canada’s Forests, 2022.
Statistics Canada. Land use, Census of Agriculture historical data.
COMPLETE CANADIAN
VALUE CHAIN COMMITMENT
VALUE CHAIN COMMITMENT
Canada’s commitment to sustainability extends across the entire soybean value chain. By uniting seed developers, input suppliers, growers, grain handlers, and processors, every step of the journey from field to market adheres to high environmental and operational standards.
Innovations in Seed & Inputs
Continuous investment from seed developers and life science companies focuses on increasing soybean production while simultaneously reducing environmental impact.
On Farm Stewardship
Canadian farmers are committed to enhanced land stewardship, implementing improved farming practices that protect biodiversity and promote long-term soil health.
Low Carbon Transportation Networks
Canada’s efficient railway systems and strategic access to waterways serve as a low-carbon pipeline, ensuring the sustainable movement of soybeans to global markets.
Efficient Processing & Renewable Energy
Throughout the supply chain, grain handlers and processors are increasing operational efficiency and transitioning to the use of renewable energy.
Trusted Suppliers & Sustainable Sourcing
Global buyers receive top quality soybeans from trusted Canadian suppliers who adhere to top-tier sustainable practices across the entire value chain.
A SUSTAINABLE CANADIAN GROWING SEASON
From early planning to final delivery, the Canadian soybean value chain prioritizes environmental stewardship at every step of the agricultural calendar. Sustainable farming isn’t just a seasonal effort; it is a year-round commitment to protecting natural resources while raising high-quality crops.
Pre-Season Planning
Before the growing season even starts, Canadian soybean farmers plan annual crop rotations, seed and crop protection products, and tillage requirements for every acre.
Spring Planting & Soil Health
In the spring, Canadian farmers plant soybeans into fields that have been managed using no-till or minimal tillage systems to protect and enhance soil health and water retention.
Precision Summer Growth
While the soybeans grow, Canadian farmers use variable rate and precision nutrient placement to provide soybeans with the right amount of fertilizer required to optimize growth.
Active Field Scouting
Throughout the growing season, Canadian farmers regularly scout their crops to track and address any development of disease and pest pressures.
Fall Harvest & Clean Energy
In the Fall, Canadian farmers harvest and store soybeans using renewable energy and clean fuels where available.
Distribution to End Users
Many players in the soybean value chain are involved in the storage and transportation of sustainably produced soybeans to end users and buyers.