In 2025, U.S. production of non-GM soybeans for the food industry remained stable, maintaining its share in the country’s overall soybean output. According to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), American farmers planted 2.22 million acres of non-GMO soybeans for food use, with 1.67 million acres grown under contract. Non-GM soybeans for food purposes accounted for approximately 2% of total U.S. soybean production, a level virtually unchanged from 2024.

Soybean prices on the Chicago Board of Trade remained steady at around $10 per bushel, keeping non-GM soybean cultivation attractive to farmers seeking higher profitability. The share of contracted acreage for food-grade non-GM soybeans increased from 65% in 2024 to 67% in 2025. Will McNair, USSEC’s Director of Soy Product Development, said: “These figures help market participants better understand production trends and plan for future growth.”

The average on-farm premium for food-grade non-GM soybeans reached $2.53 per bushel in 2025. This premium covers all soybean types used in products such as tofu, soy milk, natto, miso, and soy sauce, and reflects overall market trends rather than specific purchase prices.

Exports continue to be the main driver of the U.S. non-GM soybean market. Tofu accounts for 41% of non-GM soybean end use, soy milk 21%, natto 14%, miso 9%, and soy sauce 6%. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan remain the largest importers of U.S. non-GM soybeans, while demand is also growing in Southeast Asia and within the domestic U.S. market, as more consumers opt for non-GM food products.

The stability of non-GM soybean production signals steady international and domestic demand, while contract growth and consistent premiums indicate continued farmer confidence. With food-grade non-GM soybeans maintaining their niche share in U.S. agricultural output, the sector is well-positioned to meet both domestic consumption needs and global export demand.

Overall, 2025’s non-GM soybean performance reflects a balance between stable acreage, steady market prices, and increasing contracted production, supporting the U.S. position as a reliable supplier of high-quality non-GM soybeans for the food industry. The ongoing expansion of export markets and consumer interest in non-GM products provides potential for gradual growth in the sector while preserving profitability for farmers.