The Canadian government recently announced increased support for the country’s plant-based protein sector, with over $11 million in new federal funding allocated to Pulse Canada to enhance agricultural production, processing, and food manufacturing nationwide.
“These investments […] will help enhance our resiliency to meet the growing global demand”
Leah Taylor Roy, Liberal MP for Aurora, Oak Ridges, and Richmond Hill, told the Commons Agriculture Committee during a meeting last month, “I believe it gives us a way to grow our incredible agricultural sector and create wealth, but also lessen the impact of emissions on global food systems and help secure our food chain, bringing more processing and manufacturing back home.”
Dual benefits
Roy also spoke to the dual benefits of this investment, noting that while Canada currently exports a significant amount of pulses and crops, there is a substantial opportunity to increase domestic agri-food manufacturing. She pointed out that many goods are exported only to be re-imported as finished products, underscoring a need for more local manufacturing to add value within Canada.
Funding details and expected outcomes
On behalf of Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, confirmed the funding of $11,017,979 to Pulse Canada through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component.
This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aimed at addressing production challenges. Expected outcomes include reduced nitrogen fertilizer use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon sequestration, reduced disease risks, and improved farmer profitability.
The research funded by this initiative is expected to support the Government of Canada’s climate targets for 2030 and 2050 by developing new management practices that reduce the need for fertilizers and fungicides. Additionally, it aims to enhance the sustainability and profitability of pulse growers by developing new, disease-resistant, and environmentally resilient pulse varieties.
Leader in global pulse exports
MacAulay noted the significance of plant-based protein as a major export commodity, citing the export of nearly 2 million tonnes of lentils in 2023, valued at $2.3 billion. He reiterated Canada’s role in sustainable food production: “It’s all part of agriculture, and it’s all part of feeding the world. It’s all part of sustainable food production, too, so it is vitally important.”
According to Pulse Canada, Canada remains the largest exporter of pulses globally, exporting dry peas, lentils, beans, and chickpeas to over 120 countries. In 2023, India was the largest market for Canadian lentils, purchasing over a third of the exports.
“Adding value to our products means the money stays in this country”
The government’s strategy includes investing in more local manufacturing and food processing to retain economic benefits within the country. “Adding value to our products means the money stays in this country instead of going to other countries,” MacAulay added.
Kevin Auch, chair of Pulse Canada, noted Canada’s leadership in sustainable pulse production and exportation in a press release. “These investments in research from the Government of Canada, matched by our sector, will help enhance our resiliency to meet the growing global demand for sustainably grown, high-quality pulses and ingredients while making a positive impact on our environment and economy,” Auch stated.
