RDAR Delivers $2.3M To Expand Value-Added Plant Protein Market

PIP Lethbridge Inc. is an ag-tech company that specializes in processing yellow peas. In 2024, it received a $215,000 Sustainable CAP grant through RDAR to assess the feasibility of a more advanced extraction method that preserves protein integrity while eliminating the bitter taste and undesirable textures commonly associated with plant proteins. Compared to existing processing technologies, PIP’s system enhanced process efficiency by 20%, uses less power and water, and reduces maintenance and cleaning time and costs.

PIP’s process innovations directly address the need to enhance the value of primary agricultural products by increasing value-added processing in Alberta. PIP’s processes substantially raise the value of peas from under $1.00/kg to over $8.00/kg.

In the next phase of this initiative, PIP will continue to scale its process and apply new technology to provide real-time processing data. This is expected to maximize protein recovery and minimize losses, increasing productivity and cost efficiencies.

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, said: “We’re committed to helping producers add even more value to their operations. These investments in cutting-edge research will allow producers in Alberta to grow their businesses, so they can keep feeding the world while improving their bottom line.”