Renaissance of soybean production in Taiwan

Big Granary Project is driving a resurgence by promoting domestically grown soybeans for high-value foods like soy milk and tofu, enhancing national self-sufficiency, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. To reduce reliance on water-intensive rice, the government encourages soybean cultivation, which enriches soil by fixing nitrogen. Subsidies for farm machinery, contract farming, and corporate production zones ensure stable farmer incomes and reliable supply chains. The Taiwan Soybean Industry Alliance integrates farmers, processors, and marketers, fostering competition and market expansion. All Taiwanese soybeans are non-GMO, with the Traceable Agricultural Products (TAP) system guaranteeing safety and transparency, appealing to health-conscious consumers. In regions like Hualien County, crop rotation with rice has boosted oilseed crop areas, including soybeans, to a record 430,000 hectares in 2025, up 161,000 hectares from last year. This shift supports sustainable farming ...