--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260122-protealis-expands-soybean-breeding-pipeline-through-university-of-guelph-collaboration/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # Protealis expands soybean breeding pipeline through University of Guelph collaboration Publication Date: 2026-01-22T15:00:11-05:00 Last Updated: 2026-01-22T03:56:57-05:00 Author: Elena Shalashnik (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/shea2707/) Categories: [AgTech & Research](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/agtech-and-research/), [Corporate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/corporate/), [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/) ![Delicate soybean pods on the plant, close-up macro shot highlighting plant growth and agriculture.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/536430680_726466920211083_5748963256243678014_n.jpg) Canadian genetics to support non-GMO soybean development for European markets. Protealis, a Belgium-based developer of non-GMO legume seeds, has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the University of Guelph in Canada to access soybean genetics from the university’s breeding program. The agreement grants Protealis global rights to test, select and commercialize soybean varieties developed at the University of Guelph. The collaboration adds later-maturity soybean genetics and food-grade quality traits to Protealis’ existing portfolio, which has so far focused on early-maturing varieties adapted to cooler European climates. The additional genetics will allow Protealis to expand breeding efforts into warmer European growing zones, broadening its addressable market as demand for locally produced, non-GMO protein crops increases. Europe currently imports more than 34 million tonnes of soybeans annually, primarily from Brazil, Argentina and the US. The University of Guelph is a major agricultural research institution with a long-standing soybean breeding program. Canada produces approximately 7.6 million metric tonnes of soybeans per year and has invested in soybean genetics for several decades through public research and commercial partnerships. Protealis currently markets nine early-maturity soybean varieties registered in Belgium, France, Germany and Ukraine. Ukraine has emerged as a key growth market for soybeans, with acreage projected at 2.3–2.4 million hectares and production forecast at up to 5.8 million tonnes in 2025. In addition to soybeans, Protealis is developing yellow pea varieties as part of its broader legume breeding pipeline. The company operates from Ghent, Belgium, and focuses on crop genetics designed for European soil and climate conditions. The collaboration reflects ongoing efforts by European seed developers to expand access to established North American breeding programs as climate variability and protein crop demand reshape regional production strategies. ![Healthy soybean crop thriving in agricultural field for sustainable farming practices.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/619319433_847937831397324_943918340137100386_n.jpg) Tags: [Belgium](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/belgium/), [Canada](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/canada/), [collaboration](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/collaboration/), [crop genetics](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/crop-genetics/), [Europe](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/europe/), [legume breeding](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/legume-breeding/), [legume seeds](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/legume-seeds/), [non-GMO](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/non-gmo/), [Protealis](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/protealis/), [soybean breeding](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soybean-breeding/), [University of Guelph](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/university-of-guelph/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.