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New funding for Canadian pulses

Jan. 13, 2015 - The federal government is investing more than $3.3 million to Pulse Canada to help increase the use of pulse and pulse products in the food manufacturing industry, and to assist multi-sector producers in responding to non-tariff barriers in overseas markets.

Pulse Canada will receive over $3 million in funding over five years from the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2 (GF2). These projects include:

• $1.3 million to generate new tools for the Canadian grain, oilseed and pulse industries to measure the sustainability performance of Canadian agriculture, and use this new information to demonstrate compliance with food industry assurance systems
• $870,261 to increase demand for Canadian pulses by marketing the nutritional value, health benefits and sustainability of Canadian pulses
• $897,311 to engage key Canadian stakeholders in support of the elimination of trade barriers that limit growth opportunities in both established and emerging markets

It will also receive $270,000 funding from the GF2 AgriInnovation Program to enable the pulse sector to transfer knowledge and expertise to the food processing and ingredients sector for pulse-containing food products marketed with nutrition and health claims. This investment will benefit pulse growers by increasing the use and demand for pulses in new and reformulated food products.

Canada is the largest exporter of peas and lentils, providing 38 per cent of the world's needs. Consuming pulses reduces cardio-vascular diseases by reducing serum cholesterol, blood pressure and the likelihood of obesity.

January 13, 2015  By Top Crop Manager