News Pulses
Pulse sector receives funding to address production challenges

To help strengthen Canada’s pulse industry, the Canadian government announced funding of up to $11,017,979 to Pulse Canada. This funding is provided through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

“Here in Manitoba and across Canada, the pulse industry is strong and growing thanks to increased demand for plant proteins around the world,” says Terry Duguid, MP for Winnipeg South. “This new research cluster brings together industry and our science communities to focus on projects that will move the pulse industry forward and help pulse farmers keep their operations sustainable and successful.”

Through research, the cluster will help address challenges in production which will result in reduced nitrogen fertilizer consumption across crop rotations, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon sequestration, lower disease risks and increased profits for farmers.

Expected outcomes of the cluster research include:

• Supporting the Government of Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets by developing new management practices for reduced fertilizer or fungicide applications.
• Contributing to a sustainable and profitable future for pulse growers by developing new varieties to improve production efficiency, protein yield and profitability.
• Helping industry achieve goals associated with development of pulse varieties resistant to disease and resilient to environmental stress.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has partnered with Prairies Economic Development Canada and other government departments in support of the Green Prairie Economy. This investment is an example of the commitment to supporting businesses and communities across the Prairie provinces and seizing new opportunities to grow Canada’s globally competitive economy sustainably.