Soybeans.
Over half of the world's 2005 soybean crop (60%) was genetically modified, a higher percentage than for any other crop. Each year, the EU Member States import approximately 40 million tonnes of soy material, most of which is used to feed cattle, swine, and chickens. Soybeans are also used to produce many food additives. In 2005, 221 million tonnes of soybeans were produced worldwide. The world’s leading soybean producers are the United States (37%), Brazil (26%), Argentina (18%), and China (8%). India and Paraguay are also noteworthy soybean producers.

GM soybeans grown in nine countries.
The first genetically modified soybeans were planted in the United States in 1996. Ten years later, GM soybeans are now planted in nine countries covering approximately 54 million hectares. These GM soybeans possess a gene that confers herbicide resistance. GM plants are widespread in the world’s leading soybean producing countries. The United States (87%) and Argentina (98%) produce almost exclusively GM soybeans. In these countries, GM soybeans are approved without restrictions and are treated just like conventional soybeans. Producers and government officials in the US and Argentina do not see a reason to keep GM and conventionally bred cultivars separate – whether during harvest, shipment, storage, or processing. Soybean imports from these countries generally have high GM content. At one time, GM soybeans were not permitted in Brazil. Nevertheless, GM seed was smuggled in from neighboring countries and planted illegally. Now, GM soybeans have been authorized. It is estimated that one third of the country’s soybean crop is genetically modified. Most of Brazil’s conventional soybeans are grown in the northern part of the country. European food and feed companies were able to determine that soybeans from northern Brazil contain little or no GM material. Large-scale, commercial plantings of genetically modified soybeans can also be found in Paraguay, Canada, Romania, and South Africa.

EU imports GM soybeans.
Each year, the EU imports approximately 40 million tonnes of raw soy products, primarily from Brazil, the United States, and Argentina. Imported soy is predominantly used to feed livestock. Without the protein offered by soy, Europe would not be able to maintain its current level of livestock productivity. During processing, soybeans are pressed in oil mills, and the derived oil is extracted and refined for food use. Soybeans are used to produce numerous food ingredients and additives. Lecithin, for example, is used as an emulsifier in chocolate, ice cream, margarine, and baked goods. Soybeans are the basis for countless ingredients, additives, and vitamins. It is estimated that soy plays at least a small part in 20,000 to 30,000 products that are on the market today, whether directly as an ingredient or indirectly as feed or a nutrient source.

GM free soybeans only from northern Brazil.
GM soybeans are now widely grown in the world's major soybean producing countries. By and large, soy products on the world market are at least partially made from GM soybeans. Conventionally derived soybeans are now only available from northern Brazil, where shipments are checked for GM content. If tests reveal that GM content is below 0.9 percent, labeling is not required. Some soybeans are not processed in oil mills. Traditional soy products like tofu are made from whole beans with special quality requirements. Usually, soybeans for tofu are produced under specific contract agreements. Soy products require labeling if the raw material at least partially consisted of GM soybeans. Unintentional, technically unavoidable admixtures of GM content of up to 0.9 percent are excluded.

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