Feds fund pulses, special crops

Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced $4.3 million in funding for the pulse and special crops sectors.

Pulse Canada will receive slightly less than $4.2 million of the investment with $2.3 million aimed at its 25 by 25 strategy. That plan calls for 25 percent of production to be in new markets by 2025.

The money will be used to promote pulses and pulse-based ingredients to international food manufacturers and food service “as a sustainable, value-added, healthy ingredient,” said a government news release.

About $1.5 million will be used for the Ag Transport Coalition Railway Performance Measurement Program and $429,000 will be used to assess and resolve barriers to international trade.

The Canadian Special Crops Association will receive $127,944 to work on international opportunities.

Corey Loessin, chair of Pulse Canada, said Canada already leads the world in pulse production and exports.

“Today’s investments from the Government of Canada in diversifying markets, exploring new uses, expanding market access and ensuring timely and predictable rail service will help the Canadian pulse industry capitalize on the increasing global demand for sustainable products while growing our economy and improving our environment,” he said.

The investment comes from the federally funded AgriMarketing program, which supports industry-led promotional activities.

“This announcement is win-win,” said Bibeau.

“On the one hand we are expanding markets for Canadian-made protein products, and on the other hand we are encouraging farmers to plant more pulses which are a sustainable solution to soil and crop management.”

Bibeau was to have made the announcement in Regina Nov. 17 as part of a listening tour, but the blizzard southern Saskatchewan made that impossible.

Contact karen.briere@producer.com