On March 19, 2024, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) determined that the gene-edited soybean described in Amfora’s request was not subject to the federal rules in 7 CFR part 340. The decision was based on plant-pest risk; it was not blanket government approval for food, feed, or commercial sale. APHIS noted that other authorities, including the FDA and EPA, may have requirements that apply.
What did USDA decide?
APHIS reviewed Amfora’s described soybean and found no plausible pathway by which it would pose an increased plant-pest risk relative to comparator soybean plants. That finding means the soybean, as described in the request, is not subject to 7 CFR part 340. The determination is scoped to that plant and its specified progeny; a material change to the trait, phenotype, or mechanism could require further APHIS review.
APHIS’s letter, signed by Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez, states: “APHIS did not identify any plausible pathway by which your modified soybean would pose an increased plant pest risk relative to comparator soybean plants.” Read the APHIS determination.
What was edited in the soybean?
Amfora’s request described edits intended to increase expression of two soybean genes, GmNF-YC4-1 and GmNF-YC4-2. The edits delete certain repressor-binding motifs in the genes’ promoter regions. The intended result was more of the corresponding protein in leaves and seeds. APHIS assessed the soybean’s biology, the trait and its mechanism, and possible effects relevant to plant-pest risk.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- High Yield Bush Growth: midori giant edamame seeds form 24-36 inch nitrogen-fixing bushes, rewarding vegetable garden growers in USDA 3-9 with crunchy pods rich in complete protein.
- Fast Germination: soybean seeds for planting sprout in 5-10 days at 70-90 °F, letting home garden beginners harvest tender edamame in just 80 days while heirloom seeds thrive in loamy soil.
- Nutrient-Rich Snack: soy beans deliver sweet nutty flavor and buttery texture; boil or freeze for soy-protein snacks, soy bean seeds to plant are ideal for survival gardening fans seeking clean non gmo edamame.
- Easy Direct Sow: edamame seeds for planting outdoors need 1" depth and 12" spacing, no trellis required; bush habit suits containers or raised beds, making veggie seeds ideal for small spaces.
- Disease-Smart Cultivation: edamame seeds to plant resist common pests when grown in full sun and evenly moist soil; gardening kit growers mulch to conserve water and pick bright green pods before they yellow.
Amfora describes its method as CRISPR gene editing that upregulates a specific gene without introducing foreign DNA. That is the company’s description of its process, not the basis for treating the USDA determination as approval under every regulatory regime. Amfora’s announcement quotes CEO Lloyd Kunimoto saying the decision would “accelerate our ability to scale the sustainable production of protein from soybeans.” That is the company’s characterization of the decision.
How much more protein does Amfora say it has?
Amfora says the gene-edited soybean has approximately 25 percent more protein than conventional soybeans, and that its higher protein level comes with a lower carbohydrate level. The company’s announcement does not give a numeric carbohydrate change. The sources cited here do not include an independent comparative trial report verifying the protein figure, so it should be understood as a company-reported claim rather than an independently established measurement.
Rank #2
- Your hunt is in the bag - we deliver more quality seed for your money!
- Certified seed for maximum growth and attractant
- 1 bag (5 lbs) plants approximately 1/10 acre
- High protein and highly preferred forage for deer
- Non-GMO - ideal for mixing with other food plot seeds
Are Amfora’s announced soy products made from the gene-edited crop?
No. Amfora’s February 22, 2024 announcement of ultra-high-protein soy flour, texturized vegetable protein, and crisps said those products were made from proprietary conventionally bred soybeans—not the gene-edited soybean in the APHIS determination. Amfora reported that these conventionally bred beans had approximately 25 percent more protein than conventional soybeans and that its flour contained more than 60 percent protein. Those company-reported figures describe the conventional-breeding products and should not be conflated with the gene-edited crop’s claimed protein increase. See Amfora’s product announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the decision mean the gene-edited soybean is on the market?
The cited sources do not establish that it is currently commercially available or that seed can be obtained. In May 2024, Agriculture.com reported that breeding, testing, and field work remained, and described an internal commercialization expectation around 2027. That was a dated expectation, not evidence of a later launch. A June 2025 market report still listed the improved-protein soybean as in development and provided no market-access information. Agriculture.com’s May 2024 report and the ProTerra Foundation’s June 2025 report are dated snapshots, not confirmation of the crop’s status after publication.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchQuick Recap
Best Value
- HEIRLOOM VARIETY & HIGH YIELD: Outsidepride soy bean seeds is a robust heirloom strain known for its high yield, producing over 3 bushels per acre more than the popular Manokin variety, making it a valuable choice for maximizing harvest output. This variety is perfect for outdoor gardening enthusiasts looking to optimize their yard space.
- RICH IN PROTEIN & OIL WITH VERSATILE USES: Containing about 18% oil and 38% protein, this soybean variety is perfect for producing high-quality soy bean oil and protein-rich meal. These soybeans can be processed into a wide range of products, including soy milk powder, soy flour, soy protein, tofu, and various industrial non-food products, showcasing its versatility. Ideal for making various soy-based meals such as edamame snacks.
- OPTIMAL PLANTING GUIDELINES FOR MAXIMUM YIELD: For best results, plant soybean seeds at a depth of 0.75 to 1.5 inches, with row spacing between 7.5 and 15 inches, depending on soil type and tillage. This ensures uniform seed placement and optimal growth, adapting well to midwestern states and capturing a significant percentage of non-GMO acres.
- HIGH-PROTEIN ANIMAL FEED: The high-protein fiber left after oil extraction is ideal for animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine industries, which consume over half of the processed soybean meal. This meal is also crucial for cattle, other farm animals, and pets, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development. A great addition to feed mixes for cowpeas and other legumes.
- ECONOMIC AND NUTRITIONAL: As the most economically important bean globally, soybeans provide essential vegetable protein for millions and are key ingredients in hundreds of chemical products. A 60-pound bushel of our soybeans seed yields about 11 pounds of crude soybean oil and 47 pounds of soybean meal. Beneficial for producing shelf-stable goods for long-term use.
Rank #4
- Productive - Chiba Green Soybean germinates in 10-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 1-3’ tall with a spread of 12-16”. Beans will mature in 65-75 days, plant in USDA zones 3-10.
- Good Eats - Harvest when pods are green and enjoy edamame or allow the pods to dry and shell to eat them boiled or steamed.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
Rank #3
- Beautiful - Large full-color packet of Chiba Green Soybean (glycine max) seeds. These useful legumes have deep roots that fix nitrogen to the soil and help the plants survive heat and dry periods. Excellent cover crop and food source for a variety of animals such as deer, cattle, rabbits and chickens. Minimum of 13 g per packet (about 40 seeds).
- Productive - Chiba Green Soybean germinates in 10-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 1-3’ tall with a spread of 12-16”. Beans will mature in 65-75 days, plant in USDA zones 3-10.
- Good Eats - Harvest when pods are green and enjoy edamame or allow the pods to dry and shell to eat them boiled or steamed.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
What the APHIS determination does—and does not—establish
- It establishes: APHIS found no plausible pathway for increased plant-pest risk for the soybean described in Amfora’s request, and determined that it was not subject to 7 CFR part 340.
- It does not establish: blanket approval by every federal agency, completion of all possible regulatory requirements, independent confirmation of Amfora’s protein claim, or current commercial availability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
