Global Market Report: Soybeans
This report examines how voluntary sustainability standards can help address the social and environmental problems involved in producing soybeans, known as the "king of beans" for their versatility and extensive use.
-
Less than 2% of soybeans are grown in compliance with voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs).
-
Demand for VSS-compliant soybeans is growing mainly in Europe and the United States but not as fast as supply, leading to an estimated oversupply of VSS-compliant soybeans.
-
VSS compliance can be a valuable tool for helping tackle some of the sector's most persistent social and environmental problems.
While soybeans will continue to be an important commodity for the foreseeable future, the sector faces critical sustainability challenges related to deforestation, biodiversity loss, excessive use of herbicides, and human rights violations.
This report, part of IISD's Sustainable Commodities Marketplace Series, examines the growth and potential for VSSs to mitigate some of soybean production's worst environmental and social impacts.
You might also be interested in
Will the Inclusion of Voluntary Standards in Trade Agreements Lead to More Sustainable Trade?
The use of voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) and similar systems in free trade agreements (FTAs) is gaining traction. Will it lead to more sustainable production and consumption globally?
Global Market Report: Soybean prices and sustainability
Less than 3% of soybeans are produced in compliance with sustainability standards. This report unpacks what needs to change to make soybeans a food that protects rather than harms the natural environment.
Global Market Report: Tea prices and sustainability
This report explores recent market trends in the tea sector and explains why we need to get better at recognizing the social and environmental costs of tea production.
Integrating Standards in South–South Trade Policies Can Improve Producers' Livelihoods, New Report Shows
New report explores how governments in developing countries are using sustainability standards in trade policy to ensure that growth in South–South trade benefits farmers and the environment.