By Alice McFarlane

Plant protein processing gets financial boost

Jun 22, 2020 | 3:10 PM

The federal government is providing roughly $100 million for a new protein processing plant in Winnipeg.

Merit Functional Foods will construct a commercial-scale protein extraction facility that will produce plant proteins with improved solubility, flavour and purity.

It will be the first facility in the world with the capability to produce food-grade canola protein that is safe for human consumption.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) welcomed the news.

SPG Past President Lee Moats said more people are eating plant-based protein and the processing facility for peas and canola will benefit farmers.

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

1h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

17h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

20h ago

“My thoughts are as farmers, we’re looking for diversification. Everyone has heard about the trade issues we faced with India where they have implemented tariffs and restricted trade,” Moats said. “We’re looking for other ways of using the pulse crops we grow.”

The plant will source its inputs from Canadian producers, with a projected 10,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas and 17,000 tonnes of canola seed in its first year.

Moats said consumer demand for plant-based proteins is growing in Canada and markets around the world.

“Right now, the world seems to be very interested in plant protein, healthy diets and sustainable production. The more we can meet that consumer demand the better and that takes investment,” Moats said. “The federal government is wisely choosing Merit Foods because they have potential to meet the demand for protein products made from pulse crops.”

The federal contribution includes $10 million in a repayable contribution from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovate Program, $25 million in debt financing from Farm Credit Canada, Export Development Canada will provide $55 million in debt financing and $9.2 million from the Protein Industries Canada.

The plant will be fully operational in December and will create 80 new jobs.

–

alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF