Key Takeaways
- Innovative Co-Investment to Enhance Fava Bean Sector: Protein Industries Canada has launched a collaborative project with Prairie Fava, DL Seeds, and Three Farmers aimed at advancing the fava bean ecosystem in Canada, focusing on the development of new varieties for consumer products, especially snack foods.
- Government Endorsements Highlight Project’s Potential: Federal ministers, including the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne and the Honourable Dan Vandal, have supported the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with Canada’s goals for nutritional food options, economic growth, and a robust supply chain.
- Strategic Focus on Sustainable Protein Sources: The project underscores the demand for sustainable protein sources and showcases Canada’s leading role in producing high-protein crops and conducting cutting-edge research.
- Collaboration Across the Value Chain: The partnership exemplifies a comprehensive approach to enhancing the fava bean market in Canada, involving efforts from crop breeding to food processing to ensure competitiveness in the global plant protein sector.
- Significant Financial Commitment: With a total of $13.2 million invested in the project, including $5.4 million from Protein Industries Canada, the initiative marks a significant investment in the future of plant-based protein and agricultural innovation in Canada.
Enhancing Canada’s Fava Bean Ecosystem through Collaborative Innovation
Protein Industries Canada has announced a new co-investment project aimed at advancing the Canadian fava bean ecosystem. The project involves partnerships with Prairie Fava, DL Seeds, and Three Farmers. The collaboration focuses on testing new fava bean varieties for functionality in consumer-facing products, notably snack foods.
Government Support for the Project
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, lauded the project, stating, “By bolstering the cultivation and processing of fava beans for use in Canadian ingredients and food, this project will increase the selection of healthy and sustainable food options for Canadians.” The Honourable Dan Vandal and The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay also expressed their support, highlighting the project’s contribution to economic growth and Canada’s status as a competitive leader in the global food industry.
Comprehensive Value Chain Approach
The project encompasses a full value chain approach, from the development of new crop varieties by DL Seeds to processing tests by Prairie Fava and, finally, functionality testing in Three Farmers’ snack foods. “Prairie Fava, DL Seeds and Three Farmers have taken a full value chain approach to strengthening the fava bean supply chain and market in Canada—an approach that’s needed if we’re going to make Canada truly competitive in the global plant protein space,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel.
Project Impact and Investment
With a total commitment of $13.2 million to the project, including $5.4 million from Protein Industries Canada, the initiative signifies a major investment in the plant-based protein sector. It aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources and enhance the Canadian agricultural landscape.
Partner Perspectives
Partners in the project shared their enthusiasm and goals for the initiative. Hailey Jefferies, Co-Founder of Prairie Fava, expressed excitement about expanding high-quality fava varieties and their potential benefits to farmers and the environment. Chris Anderson, General Manager of DL Seeds, and Natasha Vandenhurk, Founder and CEO of Three Farmers, both underscored the project’s significance in innovating and expanding the fava bean value chain in Canada.
Protein Industries Canada Latest News
Collaboration Boosts Plant-Based Food Options (2024/02/27)
Protein Industries Canada has invested $19.2 million in a project to create sustainable and nutritious food alternatives. The initiative, which involves Avena Foods and leading food brands such as Big Mountain Foods, Danone Canada, and Old Dutch, aims to revolutionize the market with new oats and pulse-based ingredients. The project focuses on creating new food products and redefining the process of ingredient manufacturing to prioritize minimal processing, nutritional benefits, and sustainability. The collaboration promises to enrich the Canadian market with healthier, allergy-friendly, and sustainable choices such as snack options, yogurt, plant-based beverages, and various meat alternatives.
New Project To Fuel Plant-Based Seafood Products (2024/02/08)
Protein Industries Canada has partnered with Konscious Foods, Avena Foods, and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds (CPS) to expand Konscious Foods’ plant-based product line, starting with its frozen plant-based sushi. The collaboration has government endorsement and industry support and aims to meet global seafood demand through sustainable alternatives. The project will utilize locally sourced pulse ingredients and seaweed to develop new plant-based products and improve the nutritional value of existing seafood alternatives. The total project value is $5.1 million, with a $2.3 million investment from Protein Industries Canada.
Discover more here.
Expands Call for Artificial Intelligence Projects in Agriculture (2023/11/24)
Protein Industries Canada has launched an initiative to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the agriculture and food value chains. The focus is on making farming more efficient, sustainable, and productive, and the aim is to use AI to address the increasing global demand for food and the challenges posed by factors like drought and pests. The initiative is open to consortiums of companies keen on leveraging AI to achieve specific outcomes, and a total of $20 million is available for co-investment across all eligible projects.
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