Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The large-scale soy cultivation has negative consequences for the habitat of local populations because of the intensive use of pesticides and the destruction of rain forests and eco-systems. GM soya, varieties are often used. The majority of Swedish people, however, do not want GM products in their food. It will be hard in future to ensure GM free food, particularly foods that come from countries where GM crops are grown on a large scale. It is very difficult to avoid cross- contamination when both GM and non-GM crops are grown in the same area. A large part of the soybeans in Sweden are imported from Brazil, a country where the growing of GM crops today is rapidly increasing.
New trends in eating habits as well as consumers with major health and environmental interests are seeking food produced with as little environmental damage as possible. At the same time they want the food to be healthy, simple to prepare and taste good. An increasing number of people wish to reduce their intake of traditional dairy products, meat and fish, therefore increasing the need for alternative protein rich products. Soy is probably the best option here, containing perfectly balanced protein. Soy is regarded to have health benefits that few other crops can be compared to, especially for women. Soy foods are perfect examples to bring forward in today’s debate, where public concerns on the decline of food quality and an increased interest in healthy food are at the top of the agenda.
Climate change can cause issues but also creates new opportunities for crop growth. We note that it is possible to grow soy in Sweden. Swedish soy cannot compete with cheap imported soy feed; however, a small production of high quality soy foods should be possible. High quality is therefore more important than high yield in Swedish soybean cultivation.
Swedish soy production, with its unique value has great potential in the food market and provides an alternative to imported soy. While production increases, so will the recognition of soybean as a viable food alternative.