Key Takeaways
- Protein Industries Canada is launching a new project with BC Food & Beverage (BCFB), the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Cultivated Food Labs (CFL) to develop a coordinated skills training program for food production and value-added agriculture.
- Canada’s opportunity to “Make More Here” from what it grows could unlock $25 billion in GDP and up to 17,000 new innovation-based jobs, according to the announcement.
- The program will combine academic coursework, applied technical training, and industry mentorship to address skills gaps identified through industry stakeholder consultations.
- A total of $1 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada contributing $760,000 and the partners covering the remainder.
- The program will use a modular, blended-delivery structure over a four- to 12-week period to remain accessible to students and working professionals.
Protein Industries Canada Launches Skills Training Program
Protein Industries Canada announced a new project with BC Food & Beverage (BCFB), the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Cultivated Food Labs (CFL) to develop and deliver a coordinated skills training program for Canada’s food production and value-added agriculture sector. The announcement points to an opportunity to unlock $25 billion in GDP and as many as 17,000 new innovation-based jobs as Canada works to do more with what it grows.
“A strong and resilient agri-food sector depends on a highly skilled workforce,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Through the support of Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, this project will help small and medium-sized businesses access critical training and skills development opportunities, empowering workers and supporting long-term industry growth.”
Partners Behind the New Training Program
BCFB, UBC, and CFL are combining their expertise to help ensure enough skilled talent is available to fill the sector’s emerging jobs. James Donaldson, CEO of BC Food & Beverage, said the collaboration aims to drive value-added innovation and competitive advantage in the industry, while Dr. David Kitts, Dean pro tem of UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems, said the university is helping equip current and future professionals with the knowledge, technical skills, and industry connections needed to strengthen the sector.
Addressing Canada’s Agri-Food Skills Gap
The program is aimed at Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises across the food production and value-added agriculture sector, combining academic coursework, applied technical training, and industry mentorship to close skills gaps identified through stakeholder consultations. Organizers say the program is designed to reduce reliance on outsourced expertise and support faster product development cycles.
“Food innovation does not move forward on good ideas alone,” said Joel Gfeller, President of Cultivated Food Labs. “Canada has incredible crops, ingredients, research capacity and food companies, but products still need to be formulated, processed, packaged, tested, scaled and brought to market. CFL works in that practical middle between idea and launch, where technical decisions can make or break a product.”
Protein Industries Canada’s Road to $25 Billion
Protein Industries Canada CEO Tyler Groeneveld said addressing the current skills gap will help new workers transition into the sector, strengthening both individual companies’ growth and Canada’s position in the global market. The project is part of Protein Industries Canada’s broader Road to $25 Billion initiative, a national vision to grow Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredient sector into a $25 billion industry and position Canada as a leading provider of plant-based ingredients. Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters.
Program Structure and Funding
The training program will be delivered with a modular, blended-delivery structure over a four- to 12-week period to remain accessible to students and working professionals. A total of $1 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada contributing $760,000 and the remainder covered by the partner organizations.
