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.
