Pulse Growers Target Food Service Industry to Expand Market Opportunities

REGINA, Feb. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - With Canadian pulse exports nearing $3.4 billion in 2017, supporting the continued growth of this sector is vital to achieving the Government of Canada's trade target of growing agriculture and food exports to $75 billion by 2025.

Speaking today at a meeting with Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay announced an investment of over $575,000 to Pulse Canada for food service market research and development projects that will benefit farmers and processors.

Under the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing Program, Pulse Canada will receive $178,500 to explore new markets for pulses and pulse ingredients in China, Eastern Asia, the United States and Canada. An additional investment of $221,680 under the same program will go towards a project that focuses on promoting pulses to the Canadian foodservice industry

An investment of $175,721 was also provided to Pulse Canada through the Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program, towards pulse innovation in the Chinese market. This project will help the industry expand the use of pulses in a wide range of Chinese foods and investigate the health benefits of eating pulse snacks.

Quotes

"Trade is vital for our agricultural industry and Canadian pulses are an integral part of Canada's export strategy. Thanks to organizations like Pulse Canada, we are a world leader in pulse exports. Government investments like these help build prosperity for our sector, which helps strengthen our economy and creates good middle class jobs for Canadians."
-        The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food

"Collaboration between the Government of Canada and Pulse Canada will help the pulse industry address our challenges and capture the opportunities that pulses offer to farmers and consumers worldwide."
-        Lee Moats, Chair, Pulse Canada Board of Directors

Quick Facts

• Canadian pulse production in 2017 was 7.1 million tonnes. The 5-year average for Canadian pulse production is 6.5 million tonnes per year.
• The value of Canadian pulses exports is expected to reach $3.4 billion in 2017.
• Saskatchewan is the largest producer of peas, lentils and chickpeas and also produces beans. Alberta produces beans under irrigation as well as peas, lentils and chickpeas. Manitoba produces white and coloured beans, as well as peas and lentils.
• In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers of agriculture reached agreement in principle on the key elements of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3-billion investment that will set a solid foundation for the future of Canada's farmers and food processors, and continue to help them grow, innovate and prosper. The Partnership is set to launch on April 1, 2018.

Associated Links

• Pulse Canada
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Setting the foundation for our farmers and food processors - November 24, 2017 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• AgriMarketing Program
• AgriInnovation Program

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Halifax