The new soybean varieties will help replace soy protein concentrate through typical soybean crushing

Ingredient innovation eliminates processing step to serve expanding markets.

Ingredient innovation eliminates processing step to serve expanding markets (Credit: PRNewswire / Benson Hill)

Crop improvement company Benson Hill has unveiled plans to introduce Ultra-High Protein soybean varieties in the 2021 crop year.

The new varieties are claimed to be the first commercially available soybeans, which can replace soy protein concentrate through typical soybean crushing.

The new soybean varieties will allow food companies to avoid costly energy and water-intensive processing steps

The new varieties will allow food companies to avoid costly energy and water-intensive processing steps across the consumer food, animal feed and aquaculture markets.

The initial launch will include more than 20,000 acres in 2021, with plans to expand to tenfold in 2022.

Benson Hill’s seed-to-shelf innovation pipeline is said to leverage plant genomics to advance ingredient innovation via the company’s CropOS platform.

CropOS platform uses phenotyping, predictive breeding and environmental modelling algorithms to help Benson Hill plant breeders to boost the protein content of soy varieties and create optimal environments for these varieties.

United Soybean Board Meal Target Area Coordinator and South Dakota farmer David Iverson said: “These Ultra-High Protein varieties demonstrate how we can work together via soy checkoff investments to improve protein content for end-users.

“We continue to work with public and private partners, including Benson Hill, to serve as a catalyst to enable new technology, farmer choice, and innovation across our soybean industry.”

The Ultra-High Protein varieties have been developed by applying traditional breeding, enabling non-GMO certification and unrestricted use in the US and export markets such as Europe.

Benson Hill will introduce the varieties through its Benson Hill Seeds division.

Benson Hill CEO Matt Crisp said: “The natural genetic diversity of plants is one of the most powerful sources of product differentiation for companies driving the modern food system.

“Our Ultra-High Protein portfolio and channel capabilities enable Benson Hill to meet customers where they are and empower innovators with cost-effective, scalable solutions.”