Smart Net-Zero

May 21, 2026 | Central News Agency (CNA) |

Taiwan's domestically grown soybean acreage expanded from approximately 680 hectares in 2014 to 4,473 hectares in 2024, a more than 5.5-fold increase, according to Ministry of Agriculture. Though domestic production still accounts for only about 0.2% of national soybean demand, with the remainder imported, the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TNDARES) highlighted multiple climate benefits of local soybean cultivation. Soybeans require only 30–40% of the water used by paddy rice and, through nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria, can reduce chemical nitrogen fertilizer use by approximately 20%, lowering Nâ‚‚O emissions. Shorter supply chains compared to imports also cut transport-related carbon footprints. TNDARES has developed two new varieties: Tainan No. 10 (high-protein, suitable for tofu and soy milk) and Tainan Black Soybean No. 11 (high-yield, rich in isoflavones and anthocyanins). TNDARES recommends consumers look for TGAP or organic certification labels when purchasing, and stated its intention to continue improving cultivation management techniques and mechanization to raise production efficiency and industry competitiveness.