Renaissance of soybean production in Taiwan

Published 2025년 6월 9일

Tridge summary

Taiwan is witnessing a revival of soybean production, a crop with deep historical and cultural significance now pivotal for food security. In the 1960s, soybeans covered nearly 60,000 hectares, but post-2002 WTO accession, imports from the US and Brazil soared to 2.6 million tons annually, dwarfing local output at 5,900 tons. Launched in 2016, the

Original content

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 ...

Source: UkrAgroConsult