Farmer harvesting soybeans. (Photo 8241221 © Tony Campbell | Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Healthier Crops

Canada’s first high-oleic soybean variety produced in Ontario

May 26, 2023 | 1:56 PM

Sevita Genetics, an Ontario-based company, has released the first non-genetically modified (GM) high-oleic soybean variety in the country.

Called Alinova, it’s similar to olive and canola oils, while also having less saturated fat and providing a longer shelf life for different food products than commodity soybean oil.

The company said in a release this will be quite profitable for Canadian growers as there is already a large demand from food manufacturers around the world.

“This is a great example of our fully integrated business model creating value for growers and end users alike,” said Sandy Hart, General Manager of Sevita International. “We are very proud to have developed these varieties, which are a first for Canada and we are fully committed to continuing our investment in genetics to provide Canadian growers with high-yielding and high-value production opportunities in years to come.”

According to Sevita Genetics, they have received approval from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). They also claimed their field testing shows that this soybean variety is on-par with other GM products and is a top-yielding non-GM variety in its maturity.

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

“Alinova was by far our best-performing soybean last year,” said Wes Hart, who grew the soybean variety on his 1,100-acre farm. “It matured evenly, had no disease issues, and stood well in multiple cropping systems ensuring an easier harvest.”

Right now, Alinova is primarily being sent to Asian food manufacturers.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow