Federal agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced up to $15 million in funding for Pulse Canada to lead a “research cluster” to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and increase the demand for Canadian pulses.
A Pulse Canada release said the research cluster’s projects will include:
• Improved varieties of pulses with superior agronomic, quality and disease-resistance characteristics.
• Support for growers, and improved management practices resulting in maximum yield, minimum disease, efficient use of fertilizers, and farm sustainability.
• Enhanced knowledge of pulse ingredient composition, functionality and use in commercial food product applications
• Increased knowledge of the health benefits of pulse consumption, including impact on satiety, food intake, blood sugar control and gut health, leading to greater marketing opportunities.
Pulse Canada is the national association representing growers, traders and processors of Canadian pulse crops (peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas). Canada is the world’s largest supplier of pulses, with exports reaching more than 150 countries.
