Sustainable protein innovations start on the farm

This article is sponsored by U.S. Soy.

In response to climate change, the food industry is exploring creative nutritious food sources. Recent news headlines have highlighted innovative sustainable food ideas, such as supplementing protein intake with insects or snake meat. 

However, the most exciting climate-friendly innovations in the food industry aren’t happening in a lab or in the kitchen, but out in the field. Farmers across the United States are integrating old school farming techniques with modern tools and practices such as drone technology, trait-enhanced seeds, moisture sensors, smart irrigation and autonomous tractors. These advancements allow farmers to farm smarter, sustainably growing more food with less natural resources. 

U.S. Soy farmers have led the way in adopting new farming technologies. In fact, U.S. soybean farmers increased production by 130 percent between 1980 and 2020, while also improving efficiencies in land, water and energy use, reducing emissions and expanding soil conservation, through the use of modern farming methods and tools. 

Plant proteins are becoming increasingly popular due to their health benefits and environmental sustainability. Farming innovations enable U.S. Soy farmers to meet consumer demand for sustainable ingredients such as protein-rich U.S. Soy while protecting natural resources. U.S. soybeans provide more protein per acre and use less water per ton of output than any other plant source.  

Sustainability starts on the farm

Building a sustainable supply chain starts on the farm, which is why food companies are looking for ways to decrease their carbon footprint and meet consumer demand by sourcing more sustainably. 

A recently released Life Cycle Assessment found the U.S. soybean industry’s global warming potential decreased considerably in 2021 for whole soybeans, soybean meal and soy oil compared with previously reported findings in 2015 and 2010. There are several factors that helped contribute to a decrease in U.S. Soy’s global warming potential, including U.S. soy farmers using innovative farming technology. 

Even before farmers start planting, they work closely with scientists and biotechnologists to breed seed varieties with increased pest and disease resistance, and better durability against unpredictable weather conditions. Trait-enhanced seeds have increased crop productivity and reduced reliance on chemical input. U.S. Soy farmers use cutting-edge agricultural technology that lets them grow nutrient-dense crops while also protecting our environment’s health. In fact, in 2015 alone, U.S. soybean farmers used biotechnology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 58.8 billion pounds.

Once the season begins, U.S. soybean farmers use farm machinery equipped with advanced sensors, monitors and GPS guidance systems. Every soybean field is unique, and each requires a different amount of water and nutrients to grow soybeans. Automated equipment not only precisely measures what each field needs but also helps decrease the inputs, such as water and fertilizer, needed to produce crops. 

Throughout the growing season, farmers use advanced technologies such as GPS, drones and satellite imagery to gather precise data about their fields. This data is then processed with help from AI to deliver insights that help them optimize the use of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and water resources. U.S. farmers then use technological advancements, such as moisture sensors and smart irrigation systems, to deliver the precise amount of water needed to grow healthy, nutrient-dense soy. 

Data collected by drones and satellite imagery can be monitored remotely with smartphones and computers, so farmers can properly nourish soybeans — promoting healthy soil and environmental sustainability, from their fields to our kitchen tables.

Providing sustainable protein for a growing population

U.S. soybeans farmers’ commitment to food security and environmental sustainability ensures that we have healthy food choices available now and for future generations. Innovations in farming technology have been pivotal in enabling U.S. Soy farmers to meet the growing demand for sustainable protein. 

Over the last couple of years, the food industry has begun to offer more plant-based protein products in response to customers seeking sustainable meal options. In 2023, the plant-based protein market was worth $8.1 billion. Today, 66 percent of global consumers report that they plan to spend more on plant-based meat and milk in the future.

U.S. grown soy protein stands at the forefront of food innovation as a nutritional powerhouse and climate-friendly protein solution, aligning with growing consumer interest in eating more sustainably.

As a complete, sustainable protein ingredient, U.S. Soy is one of the few plant-based proteins that provides all essential amino acids in appropriate amounts to meet the needs of children as well as adults. Additionally, soy is the only plant protein that carries the FDA’s heart health claim, confirming it may be able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

With awareness of environmental impact and the benefits of plant-protein, soy foods are well positioned to meet a variety of consumers’ demands around sustainability. Food companies can leverage soy’s health and sustainability halo to drive sales by sourcing U.S.-grown soy protein for their products.