Key Takeaways
- NuCicer and Stricks Ag have partnered to deploy over 10,000 acres of proprietary high-protein chickpeas in the 2026 growing season.
- The collaboration combines NuCicer’s predictive breeding platform with Stricks Ag’s extensive production and processing network.
- The new chickpea variety features higher protein and lower fat content compared to commodity chickpeas, targeting the pasta and snack food markets.
- NuCicer’s breeding library has expanded natural diversity by 40 times by crossbreeding modern varieties with wild chickpea relatives.
- Planting is scheduled for late spring 2026, with the first major commercial harvest expected in August.
NuCicer & Stricks Ag: Scaling High-Protein Crop Innovation
NuCicer, a specialist in predictive breeding, and Stricks Ag, a supplier of non-GMO specialty pulses, have entered a strategic partnership to commercialize advanced chickpea varieties. The agreement covers the deployment of 10,000 acres of NuCicer’s high-protein chickpeas for the 2026 season.
This move represents the first large-scale commercial application of NuCicer’s technology. The partnership aims to provide food manufacturers with nutrient-dense, fiber-rich ingredients that require minimal processing, catering to the growing demand for clean-label plant proteins.
Infrastructure and Market Development
Under the terms of the agreement, Stricks Ag will oversee the production, primary processing, and market development phases. Utilizing its established grower network and modern facilities, Stricks Ag will facilitate the rapid expansion of these high-protein ingredients into the supply chain.
The NuCicer variety is specifically engineered for improved functionality and flavor. By offering a profile with more protein and less fat than standard commodity crops, the ingredients are optimized for use in baked goods, snacks, and pasta, where nutritional density is a primary consumer driver.
The Science Behind NuCicer’s Breeding Platform
Founded in 2019, NuCicer utilizes a breeding library developed by co-founder Professor Douglas Cook of UC Davis. This library integrates wild chickpea relatives with commercial varieties to unlock traits related to agronomics and food quality.
This systematic crossbreeding program has increased the available natural diversity of the crop by 40 times. These genetic advancements allow NuCicer to breed for specific density and flavor profiles that were previously unavailable in the commercial market.
Executive Commentary on Strategic Milestones
Leaders from both organizations highlighted the transition from research and development to meaningful commercial scale.
“This strategic partnership represents an exciting and important milestone for NuCicer as we move from innovation to scale,” said Kathryn Cook, founder and CEO of NuCicer. “By partnering with Stricks Ag, we’re ensuring that these high-protein chickpea varieties can move efficiently from field to food manufacturers.”
Jason Aytes, director of business and corporate development at Stricks Ag, noted, “By combining NuCicer’s advanced breeding innovations with our production and market infrastructure, we can accelerate availability of high-protein chickpeas at a meaningful scale.”
2026 Production Timeline
The 10,000-acre deployment is set to begin in late spring 2026. Following the growth cycle, the harvest is anticipated for August 2026, marking the point at which these specialized ingredients will become available to food brands and industrial partners.
