A combination of new high value varieties, profitable grower contracts, increasing end-use demand and a return to good growing conditions is fueling a resurgence in identity preserved (IP) soybean markets, say industry stakeholders.

Growers who gathered today at a NutriLine brand grower day near Stayner, Ontario, greeted the news with enthusiasm as representatives from First Line Seeds, NutriLine and Maple Leaf Foods International discussed new marketing opportunities for 2004 and reviewed considerations for the upcoming harvest.

IP soybean production reached record levels in the late 1990s, but challenging growing conditions in 2001 and 2002 and a recovering Asian economy impacted IP acreage, says First Line Seeds president Peter Hannam. The return of good Ontario growing conditions and a stronger Asian economy has helped rekindle interest in IP soybean production.

We re very optimistic about the IP market because the varieties we produce provide a lot of value to end-users, says Hannam. End users demand high quality, reliability and end use traits that can help them produce better products such as a smoother soymilk or better tasting tofu.

With new high value varieties, production excellence and the return of favourable growing conditions, we re well positioned to deliver the needs of end-users, says Hannam.

Robert Hunter, manager of Maple Leaf Foods International's Signature Series program, says: we re definitely seeing a soyfood market that s growing. Buyers continue to demand quality, reliability and they remain cost conscious, but Maple Leaf Foods International sees some great opportunities for growers.

Ontario is a great place to produce quality IP soybeans, says Hunter. As we continue to deliver higher quality to end users and enhanced production efficiency we ll continue to build our customer relationships and that will provide new opportunities for Ontario growers, he adds.

For Guy Goheen, who hosted today s grower event at his farm, growing identity preserved soybeans comes down to dollars and cents. On our farm we pencil out the premiums, yield potential and management requirements and then evaluate the opportunity. NutriLine provides great opportunities for us, says Goheen.

For 2004, NutriLine will offer contracts for six new varieties for identity preserved production. We re excited to have several new varieties along with increased acreage of other high value varieties, says Hannam. At First Line, we've invested heavily in food soybean breeding and research and these new NutriLine varieties will provide new opportunities in the natto, soymilk and tofu markets.

NutriLine sales and marketing manager Phil Williams says the primary reason for today s gathering is to meet with growers and discuss strategies for harvest timing, weed control and other quality control factors. NutriLine succeeds when our grower partners are successful, says Williams.

When we consistently deliver a high quality product, everybody wins. We can then secure more contracts for premium end markets and that provides opportunity for growers.

For more information about NutriLine opportunities in their area, growers should talk to their local First Line Seeds dealer or call 1-888-991-BEAN.  

First Line Seeds is a Guelph-based seed company founded by Ontario growers and co-owned by Monsanto Canada Inc. First Line Seeds is the leader in bringing soybean genetics and technology to the Canadian marketplace and providing growers with varieties that meet market needs. First Line Seeds is Canada's leading domestic supplier of soybean seed and related products and a major exporter to international markets in the United States and the Pacific Rim.