Plant protein producers aim for mainstream with new research, investments
CALGARY — Prairie farmers who grow, rather than raise, protein sources are looking to break into the mainstream with new research and investments on how to sustainably feed the world.
The push for plant-based protein such as beans and lentils — as opposed to animal sources like meat or dairy — comes as the global population continues to grow rapidly and more consumers think about their health and the environment, said Pulse Canada CEO Gordon Bacon.
“Consumers are looking for better nutrition in the foods they buy, they are looking to protect their health.”
Canadian farmers are poised to be at the forefront of the world’s top producers of protein-rich plants with a growing network of processors — and a new government-funded incubator — to support them.