JAKARTA, INDONESIA — Indonesia will produce slightly less soybeans in 2021-22 as farmers continue to prefer rice and corn, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Production is unchanged from previous reports at 425,000 tonnes, but is down 50,000 tonnes from 2020-21.

Consumption for 2021-22 is estimated at 3.2 million tonnes, an increase of 50,000 tonnes from the previous year, due to rising demand for tempeh and tofu. Tempeh and tofu are affordable protein sources and a staple for the large population centers in Java and Sumatera, the USDA said.

Demand for traditional soy-based food from restaurants and the foodservice industry has been gradually rising since the easing of social distancing restrictions starting in September 2021, the USDA said.

Soybean imports are estimated at 2.8 million tonnes, a 7% increase from 2020-21. The United States is the main source of imports with an 88% share of the market, followed by Canada at 10%.