Course Details:
Dates: August 10 - 14, 2026
Location: Northern Crops Institute
Registration Fee: $2,000.00
Registration Deadline: July 13, 2026
Course Overview:
This in-person course at the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) focuses on sourcing and purchasing high-quality, identity-preserved (IP) soybeans for food products such as tofu, soymilk, miso, natto, tempeh, and more. Unlike bulk commodity soybeans, food-grade soybeans require specialized origination and contracting processes. Participants will learn how to source, contract, and procure U.S. food-grade soybeans from regional suppliers, with training on contracting, logistics, and risk management tools.
The program includes farm visits to see food-grade soybeans in the field and speak with farmers, along with tours of processing and packaging facilities to observe cleaning, quality testing, storage, and export procedures. Expert lectures from university professors and commodity traders provide valuable insights into the U.S. food soybean industry.
Who Should Attend:
This course is designed for processors of soy food products that want to learn about identity-preserved, food-grade soybeans and how to purchase high-quality soybeans to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality food-grade soybeans for their manufacturing facilities.
Who to Contact with Questions:
Elizabeth Benson, Program Manager
elizabeth.k.benson@northerncrops.com
(701) 231-4578