The North Carolina soybean industry has a $2.9 billion total economic impact and contributes to nearly 5000 jobs in total, according to a recent study from the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) and the United Soybean Board (USB). That impact originates from the farms producing the high quality, high protein N.C. soy that customers demand. Soy quality is assured thanks to the trusted and reliable grain grading and inspection services undertaken by N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) as authorized by the U.S. Grains Standards Act. Without grain grading & grade standards, soy would be much less marketable, costing farmers.
Most soybean farmers interact with grain grading officials and the U.S. grain standards only once, when they deliver soybeans to the processor or at the local grain elevator. Soybeans delivered from the farm are tested, sorted, and consolidated into larger lots for eventual processing or shipment. The grain standards determine the price the farmer receives for their soybeans. For customers both domestic and international, the official U.S. grade is the gold standard, a trusted measure and proof that the soybeans they receive have been assessed for quality and purity.
High quality N.C. soy with a certified U.S. grade takes some risk out of doing business for our international customers. When our trading partners place multiple orders for N.C. soybeans months apart, they can be assured that the shipments will be comprised of soybeans graded to the same exacting standards. Ultimately, our strong grain standards, administered by the NCDA&CS and backed by federal law, are one of the strongest reputational enhancements available to N.C. soybean farmers.
