The import of U.S. soybeans is open to genetically modified, and there are not simple considerations behind it
Foreword: The import of genetically modified soybeans has been a concern. Most people lack an in-depth understanding of GM technology and have a grudge against American soybeans. However, understanding GMO technology, popularizing its pros and cons, and delving into the reasons for importing American soybeans are the main tasks of our manipulation. This article will briefly describe the staggering figures of domestic soybean demand, the insufficient local soybean production to support demand, the current situation of imported soybeans to meet the current development needs, the efforts of diversification strategies to broaden soybean import channels, the potential of domestic exploration to increase local soybean production, the risks and safety of genetically modified soybeans to humans, the importance of opening up genetically modified soybeans to reduce dependence on limited resources, strengthening **, and efforts to complement each other's strengths. Let's take a rational look at the reality of U.S. soybean imports and recognize the efforts of countries to address the issue of dependency.
Domestic demand for soybeans is strong.
China is one of the most populous countries and one of the largest consumers of pulses. According to the data, China's average annual total demand for soybeans is about 1200 million tons. This means that China needs a large amount of soybeans every year to meet domestic demand.
Why is there such a huge demand for soybeans in our country? Because soybeans are one of the main oil crops in China, accounting for about 50% of the total demand. In addition, soybeans are also widely used in the production of soy products such as tofu, soy milk, soy sauce and dried tofu, meeting people's demand for plant-based protein. Therefore, the demand for soybeans is not only related to the size of the country's population, but also to the demand for oilseeds and soy products.
Local soybean production is not enough to meet demand.
China's local soybean production is very limited compared to the huge demand. According to the data, China's local soybean production averages only about 16 million tonnes per year, accounting for only 13% of total demand. This means that China's local soybean production cannot meet the huge domestic demand gap.
Why is China's local soybean production so limited? First of all, China's arable land resources are limited, and the area that can be used for soybean cultivation is limited. Secondly, due to factors such as variety, technology and soil, local soybean production is relatively low. Therefore, relying solely on local production will not meet our demand for soybeans.
Soybean imports meet actual development needs.
Due to the scarcity of local soybean production, China has had to rely on imported soybeans to meet domestic demand. According to the data, China needs to import about 90 million tons of soybeans every year, of which about 60% comes from the United States, or about 50 million tons.
Why does China choose to import soybeans from the United States? Because the United States is one of the countries with the highest soybean seed production capacity, it is cost-effective. The U.S. has a relatively high soybean production compared to other countries, so the cost of importing soybeans is lower. In addition, U.S. soybeans also have a high oil yield, making them ideal for vegetable oil production.
However, in order to reduce its dependence on the United States, China is actively expanding its soybean import channels. In recent years, China has opened channels for importing soybeans from Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Ukraine, Russia, India and other countries. Although production in these countries has increased, it is still small compared to the demand in our country. Therefore, the U.S. remains the main channel for soybean imports from China in the short term.
Diversification strategy to broaden soybean import channels.
In order to reduce our dependence on the United States, we have developed a diversification strategy to broaden our soybean import channels. In addition to increasing imports from other countries, we have also strengthened cooperation with Russia. Russia is rich in land resources and has the potential to grow soybeans. However, with Russia's average annual production only around 3.5 million tonnes, China's soybean imports account for only 1 of total demand35% or so.
At the same time, we are also focusing on tapping the potential of local soybean production. We have taken a series of measures, such as increasing technical and political support for soybean cultivation in the Northeast and the Bohai Rim region, to increase yields. In addition, we have reduced the proportion of soy flour in our food formulas to reduce our reliance on soy. However, due to the limitations of variety technology and soil, the cost of domestic soybeans is higher. According to the data, the average price of soybeans in China is about 5,500 yuan per ton, while the average price of soybeans in the United States is about 4,500 yuan per ton. Therefore, in the short term, China continues to rely on imported soybeans to alleviate the pressure while ensuring stability.
Genetically modified soybeans do not pose a threat to humans.
With the development of genetically modified technology, more and more genetically modified crops are introduced into the market. Among them, genetically modified soybean is one of the main varieties imported by China. However, the safety of genetically modified soybeans is often controversial.
Although we import soybeans from the United States, we also take the safety of GM food seriously. This is based on a large amount of empirical scientific evidence and long-term observations. Many international authorities also recognise the safety of GM food.
There are concerns that the EPSP synthase gene in genetically modified soybeans can affect human health. However, in fact, this synthase can be broken down and absorbed by the body and converted into nutrients. Therefore, genetically modified soybeans do not pose a threat to humans.
In addition, there are questions about whether pesticide residues in genetically modified soybeans can cause cancer. However, for an adult weighing about 70 kg, consuming less than 70 mg of glyphosate per day is almost negligible.
Therefore, we can trust the safety of genetically modified soybeans and take a scientific attitude towards genetically modified technology.
Being open to GMOs reduces dependence.
Since genetically modified foods have not yet been recognized as harmful to health, China has launched a pilot program for the industrialization of genetically modified soybeans and corn. The pilot covers 20 counties in five provinces: Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hebei and Jilin, with planting plans in Gansu. The aim of this initiative is to gradually reduce dependence on U.S. soybeans and keep the job firmly in their own hands. This initiative is of great significance for China's food security.
Strengthen ** and complementarity with limited resources.
We must recognize that our country has limited resources and a limited area of arable land. The data shows that even within the red line of 800 million acres of arable land, the area available for growing soybeans is very limited. Therefore, in the context of globalization, China must not only meet domestic demand, but also take into account the security of resources and the balance of imports and exports.
In this context, opening up GM technology and increasing our dependence on imported soybeans will allow us to make better use of global resources and complement each other's strengths to meet domestic demand. Through **, we can obtain soybeans from other countries and produce and process them in our own advantageous areas, maximizing the resource advantage.
From a global perspective, if China wants to meet its huge demand, importing soybeans from the United States is a realistic need. The safety of genetically modified soybeans is scientifically recognized, and the openness of genetically modified technology can reduce dependence on imported soybeans, and in the case of limited resources, ** and complementarity can allow us to better meet domestic demand. Let's take a rational look at the reality of U.S. soybean imports and recognize the efforts of countries to address the problem of dependency.