Government Invests More Than $4.3 Million To Support Canada’s Pulse And Special Crops Farmers

On Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced an investment of more than $4.3 million to support Canada’s pulse and special crops farmers.

"This announcement is win-win. On the one hand we are expanding markets for Canadian-made protein products, and on the other hand, we are encouraging farmers to plant more pulses which are a sustainable solution to soil and crop management. Now more than ever, consumers around the world are demanding sustainable, nutritious sources of plant protein and the Canadian pulse and other high protein crops industries continue to lead the way," said Bibeau.

Investments will support international marketing activities to find foreign buyers, improve performance of transportation networks and reduce the risks posed by international trade barriers. By increasing the market for Canadian-made pulse products, these investments will encourage more farmers to add the nitrogen-fixing crops into their rotations, thereby increasing residual nitrogen in the soil and reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers for subsequent annual grain crops.

An investment of more than $2.3 million will enable Pulse Canada to continue to develop its ‘25 by 25' strategy to have 25 per cent of pulse production in new markets by 2025. Pulse Canada will use the funding to promote the benefits of pulses and their ingredient derivatives to international food manufacturers and foodservice operators as a sustainable, value-added, healthy ingredient across a wide range for food sectors.

"Canada leads the world in the production and exportation of sustainable, nutritious pulses and pulse ingredients. Today's investments from the Government of Canada in diversifying markets, exploring new uses, expanding market access and ensuring timely and predictable rail service will help the Canadian pulse industry capitalize on the increasing global demand for sustainable products while growing our economy and improving our environment," said Pulse Canada Chair Corey Loessin.

In addition, close to $1.5 million in funding will enhance the Ag Transport Coalition Railway Performance Measurement Program, an important asset for the grain sector. It provides individual shippers with insight on supply chain performance and a common data platform to find transportation solutions to effectively and efficiently get their products to market.

A further $429,000 will help Pulse Canada assess and resolve barriers to international trade, including challenges created by the pandemic and create more stability for exports.

The Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) is also receiving $127,944 to advance international opportunities for Canada's pulse and special crops industry, which includes beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, canary seeds, buckwheat, sunflower seeds and mustard seeds. CSCA will build and maintain relationships with the global pulse and special crops trade networks and develop industry-to-industry advocacy efforts to resolve market access issues.

"Canada's pulse and special crops sector is a diverse group of processors, exporters, ingredient companies and service providers who are focused on growing our industry here in Canada and around the world. Today's investment is a welcome signal from the federal government of the important role pulses and special crops will play in sustainably growing Canadian agricultural exports into the future," said Murad Al-Katib, President of the Canadian Special Crops Association.