Over half of the world's 2004 soybean crop (56%) was genetically modified, a higher percentage than for any other crop. Each year, the EU Member States import approximately 40 million tons of soy material, primarily destined for use as cattle, swine, and chicken feed. Soybeans are also used to produce many food additives.
Soybeans originated in Asia, and now 55% of the world’s production is in the U.S. We export 1/3 of that back to other countries for consumption. In the U.S. soy has gained recent attention for its high protein content and other beneficial nutrient makeup, and has become a new staple in the American diet. They are still consumed mostly in China, Japan and Korea, but many other countries in Europe and now the U.S. are also consuming soybeans, their byproducts.
Soybeans are an annual legume that are very tolerant of many different growing conditions. They are self-pollinating, but need to be re-sown from seed every year. Soybeans grow best in warm temperate climates with moderate amounts of rainfall (Levetin and McMahon, 2006). Little if any fertilizer is needed due to the fact that the Soybean is a legume, although it is often planted with certain microorganisms that are preferable for nitrogen fixing. Soybeans are typically grown as a monoculture crop in rows, and then picked at the end of their growing season to become many different products. Tofu, soymilk, forage hay, cloth and oil are all possible end products of soybeans.
It definately seems that we would not be able to produce as much soy if biotechnology were not used, which would greatly affect many aspects of this food source. This fact doesnt stop me from buying it organically however.
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