Soybeans

Soybeans split into two commercial worlds. Crushing beans are bought as a source of oil and meal, valued on oil content and protein, and handled in bulk with no identity requirement. Food-grade beans — for tofu, soymilk, natto and miso — are a different business entirely: the buyer needs a specific seed size, a clear hilum, high protein, and above all a documented identity-preserved chain proving the beans are what the label says. Identity preservation is a logistics discipline, not a certificate. It means segregated handling from farm through elevator, cleaning plant and container, with sampling at each transfer. That segregation is what costs money and what an IP premium actually pays for. For tofu processors, protein content and water absorption govern yield; for natto, small seed size is the whole specification. State the finished product and the specification follows.

Food-grade soybeans: Clear hilum, high protein; tofu and soymilk manufacture. Identity-preserved non-GMO: Segregated handling with documentation through the chain. Small-seeded types: Natto and sprouting applications. Crushing soybeans: Bought on oil and protein for oil and meal production.

Protein — Commonly 38–42 % on a dry basis for food grade; confirmed per lot. Moisture — Normally 13–14 % maximum at loading. Oil content — Stated for crushing lots. Damaged and splits — Maximum agreed per contract; tighter for food grade. GMO status — Declared; IP programmes carry segregation documentation. Values vary by grade, crop year and supplier and are confirmed against supplier documentation at quotation.

Canada produces soybeans mainly in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba, and has a long-standing food-grade and identity-preserved export trade serving Asian tofu, soymilk and natto manufacturers. Non-GMO and IP programmes are contracted with defined segregation and documentation. Where a buyer needs that assurance, it must be specified at contracting — it cannot be applied retroactively to a commodity lot. Origin, availability, grade and certification are confirmed at quotation for the lot actually offered — origin is a supply attribute, never an assumed property of the product.

IP and non-GMO requirements must be stated at enquiry stage — they change the sourcing route and the price basis. · Food-grade programmes usually run on annual or seasonal contracts rather than spot bookings. · Quoted FOB, CFR or CIF.

Commonly relevant documentation: Certificate of Analysis · Phytosanitary Certificate · Certificate of Origin · Non-GMO / IP documentation where contracted · Independent survey certificate on request. Availability is confirmed per order and per destination.