Before it becomes an ingredient, it begins on the farm

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Soybean harvest is in full swing across North America. For US soybean farmers, harvest is the culmination of months of efforts to grow a productive crop while caring for the land that will support future harvests.

Reduced- and no-till farming, careful water and nutrient management, and soil-protecting cover crops are among the practices farmers use to support sustainable production.

Jeff Magyar, US soybean farmer, said: “I believe many farmers are among the strongest environmental stewards because we’ve grown up on this land and have a deep, personal connection to it. To me, sustainability means caring for the land so it can support future generations. Farmers are deeply connected to their land, and our goal is always to leave it better than we found it.”

These efforts across more than 270,000 US soybean farms support the verified sustainable status of US soybeans and contribute to a lower carbon footprint for the ingredients they become.

Reliable supply, from field to formula

US farmers are harvesting an estimated 85.4 million acres of soybeans, up 5% from 2025. This broad growing base supports a reliable supply of soy protein, soybean oil and specialty soybeans.

Identity-preserved and non-GMO soybeans for food use are grown from North Dakota to Arkansas and Virginia, providing access to diverse varieties while helping mitigate weather-related supply concerns. The Specialty Soy Database features nearly 500 varieties, allowing buyers and R&D teams to search for specific protein, oil and other attributes.

Looking for a specific soybean variety? Explore the Specialty US Soy Database.

Where did the ingredient begin?

Before soy protein becomes part of a beverage, nutrition bar or plant-based food, it begins as a soybean rooted in the soil. That connection matters. Soybeans naturally provide all nine essential amino acids, making soy protein a complete, high-quality plant protein.

For formulators, that nutritional foundation comes with practical functionality, including emulsification, moisture retention and neutral flavor. Choosing US Soy connects those benefits to a crop grown with care for the soil and land – bringing nutrition, functionality, reliable supply and verified sustainability together in one ingredient.

Carry the story to the package

For companies using ingredients derived from US soybeans, the Sustainable US Soy label provides a way to carry that story from the farm to the finished product.

Available at no cost to qualifying international companies, the label communicates responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship to consumers. More than 1,200 products worldwide now feature the label.

Qualifying products must contain:

• Soy food and oil products: At least 60% verified sustainable US Soy

•Whole soybean products: At least 90% verified sustainable US Soy

Ready to connect your product to the farmers and sustainable practices behind US Soy? Contact USSEC to learn how to license the Sustainable US Soy label.