Sharp increases in the demand for U.S. soybeans and products are projected during the next 10 to 15 years as domestic and export requirements expand. Barring a breakthrough in soybean yields, acreage needed to satisfy potential soybean demand by 1985 may be a third greater than the 47 million planted in 1972. The uptrend in domestic use of food fats and oils and protein meals is projected to continue at a rate greater than population growth. Fulfilling this potential demand will be achieved mainly through greater use of soybean products, since supplies of other U.S. edible oils and high-protein feeds probably will show little net change. The major forces influencing demand for soybeans in the long run are population and income growth.