2023–24 Accomplishments
Protein Industries Canada was renewed for a second mandate and $150 million through the Global Innovation Clusters program in February 2023. This continued support for Canada's ingredient manufacturing and food processing sector allowed Protein Industries Canada to keep progressing on our mandate. It also signalled that the value-added agriculture sector is important to the Government of Canada and this industry is valuable for the future prosperity and productivity of Canada's economy.
The 2023-24 fiscal year kicked off the first year of our second mandate. Much of Protein Industries Canada's work focused on building the framework and implementing processes to deliver on our second fund. While continuing to deliver innovation programming, Protein Industries Canada kept focus on building and connecting the ecosystem
Significant accomplishments of 2023-24 included:
-
First UK call & 3 Technology calls
The opening of our Technology Leadership Program with three calls for projects, including a special call with Innovate UK – our first international R&D collaboration
-
$186M project value
As a result of the calls for projects, we have a pipeline of projects worth more than $186 million, with 19 committed projects
-
1/3 EOIs led by new partners
More than one-third of EOIs were led by partners new to the ecosystem
-
First UK mission
In partnership with NRC-IRAP, we led our first international mission to the UK, with six industry partners
-
160+ attendees at AGM
Our largest Annual Conference & General Meeting to date, with more than 160 attendees
-
4 AI projects
Continued work on the Artificial Intelligence Program stream, through which we approved three more projects, including the Data Readiness Improvement Program
-
400+ attendees at Evolution Tour
The launch of the Evolution Tour, a nationwide roadshow to connect with the ecosystem, with more than 400 people attending the seven events
-
Launched new The Road to $25 Billion
The launch of a new version of The Road to $25 Billion, revised from its initial release in 2021
-
Strengthened relationships with international partners
Attendance at events in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Singapore – building key relationships with our international partners
-
First Capacity Building Program call
Our first call for projects under the Capacity Building Program stream within the priority area of “An inclusive sector that brings benefit to every Canadian”, under which we received seven expressions of interest
-
55 projects & 455 IP assets
The successful wrap-up of Fund I, closing out 55 projects from our first mandate and supporting the development of 455 new IP assets
Global Leadership
Ecosystem Evolution
Member Prosperity
Organizational Relevance
One Team
Global Leadership
Canada is a partner of choice to secure the global food supply chain
OBJECTIVE
Canada’s value proposition for plant-based food, feed and ingredients is well understood in key markets.
ACTIONS
- Take a more strategic and deliberate approach to international events and conferences that align with Protein Industries Canada’s International Engagement Strategy.
- Plan for and execute on the 2024 edition of Plant Forward.
- Support incoming trade and innovation missions.
RESULTS
- An update to Protein Industries Canada’s International Engagement Strategy was complete, with a focus on geographic priority markets of UK, Europe, USA and Asia, aligned with objectives of market development, research collaboration, FDI and capital.
- The activities undertaken over the past year were aligned with the objectives of the strategy, including attending events in key markets of the UK, Europe, the USA and Singapore.
- Supported incoming missions from the Netherlands and the UK.
- Planned and executed a second edition of Plant Forward.
View photos from Plant Forward
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada members experience meaningful collaboration with international partners.
ACTIONS
- Explore and facilitate a collaborative research and development call with Innovate UK and Wageningen University and Research (Netherlands).
- Support members in international research and development collaborations.
RESULTS
- Launched collaborative R&D call for Technology Projects with Innovate UK, receiving eight joint EOIs (between Canadian and UK companies).
- Continued conversations with The Netherlands and Wageningen University to support the protein transition.
- Created opportunities for Protein Industries Canada members to form connections with potential partners in the UK, The Netherlands, the USA and Asia.
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada is viewed as a strong contributor to national and international initiatives.
ACTIONS
- Continue to participate in national initiatives such as the implementation of The Next Green Revolution and the Advisory Committee of the U of Guelph’s Feeding the Future with Canadian Technology.
- Collaborate on initiatives with organizations such as the World Economic Forum, UNFCCC and the FAO on the development of policies, papers and statements related to agriculture’s impact on the environment.
- Actively participate as a member of the Canadian delegation for COP28.
RESULTS
- Protein Industries Canada is a member of The Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food (CANZA), which represents the evolution The Next Green Revolution.
- Protein Industries Canada issued a request for a collaborative project to create an MRV system to support Canada’s sustainability claims and to further the sector both domestically and internationally. Development of MRV project currently underway.
- Protein Industries Canada made the decision not to attend COP28 considering the high travel costs and the higher focus on energy transition and climate-smart investment versus agriculture and food.
Read about our partnership with Innovate UK
Ecosystem Evolution
Canada is the preferred place to do business
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada members have the information they need to make informed business decisions and to contribute to the growth of the ecosystem.
ACTIONS
- Measure the progress and identify the next set of priorities on The Road to $25 Billion
- Review the outcomes of Fund I projects (i.e. asset maps, reports, strategies, market research) and identify opportunities to leverage, share and expand on their findings
- Broaden and expand EY report to better reflect the diversity of the sector
- Deeply understand Canada’s competitive landscape and create awareness with stakeholders
View The Road to $25 Billion
RESULTS
- Evaluated and scored actions of initial Road to $25 Billion, which were incorporated into the development of the updated Roadmap.
- Developed and issued an updated version of The Road to $25 Billion.
- Implemented the Centre for Regulatory Research and Innovation.
- Completed final review of all Fund I projects. Built off the success and foundations of Fund I projects to advance next generation of projects for Fund II.
- Used stakeholder engagement and market research to develop new investment thesis for Fund II.
- Worked with EY to undertake an updated Market Forecast and Competitiveness Study, which was released in Sept. 2023. Updated report included expanded categories and insights into ecosystem, knowledge and awareness.
- Building off the work of Ady Advantage completed in 2021, provincial summaries were created and communicated to provincial governments, members and larger ecosystem to raise awareness of Canada’s strengths and weaknesses in other jurisdictions. In addition, in development of the updated Road to $25 Billion further analysis of Canada’s competitiveness was undertaken and incorporated into the recommendations.
EY's Global Market Forecast and Competitiveness Study for Canadian Plant-Based Proteins
OBJECTIVE
Canada’s regulatory system is responsive and supports innovation and commercialization in the plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector.
ACTIONS
- Implement the five-year Regulatory Centre of Excellence strategic plan
- Engage with technology project participants to proactively address regulatory hurdles
RESULTS
- In 2023-24, the Regulatory Centre of Excellence helped companies across the plant protein ecosystem navigate Canada’s regulatory system while addressing knowledge gaps related to regulatory modernization in three main areas:
- How protein labelling regulations from other jurisdictions may be applied in Canada without negatively impacting nutrient density and protein quality;
- How nomenclature around product labelling affects purchase decisions and consumer interpretation of such products; and
- The validation of an in-vitro way of determining protein digestibility, to reduce animal testing.
- Protein Industries Canada is continuing its regulatory modernization research work with industry partners through the project's second phase called "The Centre for Regulatory Research and Innovation", with another four years of investment announced in December 2023.
- Since 2002, Chris Marinangeli, the Director of the CRRI has contributed to 15 publications, overviews of which can be found here.
The Centre for Regulatory Research and Innovation
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada members have access to the capital they need to scale their businesses.
ACTIONS
- Provide knowledge of the sector to the capital community
- Continue to work with the capital community on solutions for ingredient manufactures
- Create meaningful connections between members and the capital community
RESULTS
- In 2023-24 Protein Industries Canada hosted two access to capital workshops, in Vancouver and Toronto. Over the two roundtables, more than 40 members of the capital community attended.
- In addition, Protein Industries Canada made new connections to the capital community, and facilitated connections to members by attending the Invest Canada '24 conference, participating in the Pathways to Silicon Valley event in San Francisco and participating as an ecosystem partner in the Founded in Canada Showcase event were three of the eight company finalists were Protein Industries Canada female-led companies.
OBJECTIVE
A labour force and talent pool strong enough to support the growth of Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector.
ACTIONS
- Collaborate to implement the National Workforce Strategic Plan for the plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector
- Work to develop technical expertise, PhD and post-doctoral fellowship exchanges with select universities and research institutions
RESULTS
- Over the past year, Protein Industries Canada engaged Palette Skills to undertake engagement with stakeholders to determine the greatest need for the future workforce.
- Roundtables with Canadian ingredient manufacturers were held to discuss their current and future staffing needs and to define the skills required for their workforce.
- Information gathered at the roundtables will be used to refine future workforce requirements for the ingredient sector and to frame Capacity Building projects.
View Capacity Building projects
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada members have access to research, innovation and scale-up infrastructure
ACTIONS
- Support companies in navigating domestic and international research and scale-up infrastructure
- Collaborate with private sector companies, equipment manufacturers and all levels of government to evaluate and build the business case for a Canadian-based ingredient innovation, scale-up and co-manufacturing facility
RESULTS
- In 2023-24 Protein Industries Canada undertook extensive work to better understand the need for research, innovation and scale-up infrastructure, including:
- Worked with a consultant to develop a report to better understand the requirements of scale-up facilities to enhance development of the Canadian plant protein and ingredient industry and make recommendations for next steps;
- Toured and met with global ingredient processing equipment manufacturers to better understand their operations and any potential expansions to Canada; and
- Partnered with the Government of British Columbia to better understand the need for co-manufacturing in the food space.
OBJECTIVE
Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient sustainability position is understood, quantified and communicated.
ACTIONS
- Work to refine Canada’s sustainability value proposition
- Collaborate to develop a large multidisciplinary project, in collaboration with other Global Innovation Clusters, aimed at developing an effective Measurement, Verification and Reporting (MVR) system
RESULTS
- By working with groups such as Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food (CANZA) and the National Index on Agri-Food Performance, Protein Industries Canada continues to define and better understand Canada’s sustainability value proposition.
- In January 2024, a request was issued for a collaborative Technology Leadership Project to develop an effective Measurement, Verification and Reporting system.
OBJECTIVE
Underrepresented groups benefit from the economic growth of the sector
ACTIONS
- Ensure all Protein Industries Canada-funded projects contribute to Economic Reconciliation
- Build on the most successful talents and skills projects from Fund I (Palette Skills and SIIT micro-credential program) to ensure more training for underrepresented groups
RESULTS
- It is a requirement of all Fund II projects to include a commitment to Economic Reconciliation, and Protein Industries Canada has an in-house resource to support consortiums in the development of their Economic Reconciliation plans.
- In October 2023, Protein Industries Canada launched our first call for Capacity Building Projects under Fund II. The first call was specific to projects within the priority area of “An inclusive sector that brings benefit to every Canadian”. Projects needed to demonstrate how they will contribute to Economic Reconciliation, training and job development for Indigenous youth or under-represented groups and/or social well-being for Canadians.
- As a result of the call, seven EOIs were received.
Protein Industries Canada's role and resources for Economic Reconciliation
Member Prosperity
Our members are profitable and are contributing to Canada’s economy
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada members commercialize profitable products and services and scale their businesses.
ACTIONS
- Review the Fund I IP portfolio and identify stacking, cross-licensing and commercialization opportunities
- Identify synergies and further partnerships to bring other investment into Protein Industries Canada-funded projects
- Establish a project portfolio that aligns with our strategic plan and drives towards the target category spends
- Implement more robust project assessment and project tracking framework (risk analysis, two-stage financial due diligence etc.) to help ensure commercial success
RESULTS
- In Fund II, Protein Industries Canada implemented a two-phase due diligence process to better manage risk and outcomes of projects, with a specific focus on the ability to reach commercialization.
- As of March 31, 2024, 57% of all active projects fell under the ingredient pillar, 8% genetics pillar, 1% crops pillar and 33% products pillar (targets: crop 15%, genetics 10%, ingredients 50%, products 25%)
- Many of the Fund II projects build off successes and IP created within Fund I projects, with enhanced consortiums and objectives of commercialization in the next generation of projects.
- Received a completed IP Landscape report for our sector to show where there are white space opportunities to develop new technologies. The IP landscape will be released to the membership in fiscal 2024-25.
- Implemented annual project review for all Fund II projects. This review will help identify any new risks to project success or commercialization, while also helping to manage the investment fund to actuals of project spend.
57%
of all active projects fell under the ingredient pillar. (target: 50%)
8%
of all active projects fell under the genetics pillar. (target: 10%)
1%
of all active projects fell under the crops pillar. (target: 15%)
33%
of all active projects fell under the products pillar. (target: 25%)
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada technology projects create meaningful partnerships for members.
ACTIONS
- Increase the minimum level of collaboration on Protein Industries Canada projects from two to three
- Strengthen the value chain approach in collaborative innovation
- Ensure project concepts that are viable but not supported by Protein Industries Canada are channelled to alternative funding sources
RESULTS
- All Technology Leadership Projects have met the requirement of three collaborators within the consortium.
- As of March 31, 2024, the average number of consortium partners in Technology Leadership projects was 3.3 (signatories to the MPA), and total number of collaborators was 6.5
- Protein Industries Canada has relationships with NRC, AAFC, PrairiesCan and the Strategic Innovation Fund to share projects that are either, not a fit with Protein Industries Canada, or looking for the next stage of funding
View all Protein Industries Canada projects
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada members have sufficient opportunities to create new collaborations.
ACTIONS
- Hold a series of member events, workshops and webinars
- Increase engagement and usage of the member portal and IP Hub
- Revise membership structure to be more inclusive of the ecosystem
RESULTS
- Early in the fiscal year, Protein Industries Canada hosted the Evolution Tour, holding in-person events at seven locations across Canada. The Evolution Tour provided an opportunity for members of the ecosystem to better understand the priorities of Protein Industries Canada and the project process under Fund II.
- More than 400 people attended the Evolution Tour.
- A spotlight on the member portal and IP Hub is included in Protein Industries Canada’s membership newsletter on a bi-monthly basis.
- At the 2023, Annual General Meeting, Protein Industries Canada accepted a recommendation to change the membership structure to one class of membership, therefore creating a more inclusive membership structure that presents equal benefits to all members. Information on membership can be found at: https://www.proteinindustriescanada.ca/join.
Learn more about becoming a member of Protein Industries Canada
Organizational Relevance
We are a mainstay of Canada’s innovation landscape
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada is a going concern beyond March 31, 2028.
ACTIONS
- Identify additional sources of long-term funding for Protein Industries Canada-supported investments
- Evaluate additional sources of revenue to support operations
RESULTS
- In November 2023, Protein Industries Canada released an updated version of The Road to $25 Billion. The Roadmap outlines the potential of the industry to be an economy of the future for Canada, and the work that needs to be done to capture the opportunity. The Roadmap outlines the necessary actions that must be done over the next five to 10 years.
- In follow-up to the Roadmap, Protein Industries Canada released The Path Forward which focused on three areas of focus: enabling capital, innovation and market development: https://theroadto25billion.ca/.
- The future sustainability of the organization and our role in creating economic growth for Canada is a strategic priority for the board of directors and is discussed regularly at board meetings.
Progress & Prosperity: Advancing on The Road to $25 Billion
One Team
We have a shared vision and passion to strengthen Canada and create benefit for every Canadian
OBJECTIVE
A Board of Directors that establishes the strategic direction and assists in execution.
ACTIONS
- Ensure the board has the tools and information needed to provide strategic direction
- Support the board to be champions for the organization
RESULTS
- Board of directors participate in two strategic planning sessions a year, and all new board members receive a full-day board orientation.
- Reviewed all policies and procedures related to conflict of interest and project selection. https://www.proteinindustriescanada.ca/uploads/program/Personnel-Conflict-of-Interest-Policy.pdf
- Working with other Global Innovation Clusters to develop a set of governance guiding principles.
- Key messages on strategic priorities are shared with the board, and board members are engaged as part of stakeholder relations efforts.
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada programs and services are delivered in an efficient and effective manner
ACTIONS
- Implement best practices, lessons learned and new technologies to improve efficiency and member experience
- Ensure a secure IT environment that will respect the integrity and confidentiality of information
RESULTS
- Multi-factor authentication and Bitlocker encrypted installed on every computer in the organization.
- Strengthened device usage policy providing clear guidance and expectations to all staff.
- Published project management guide and provided costing guidance to all project participants.
- Updated Project Selection Guidance Document for all programs.
OBJECTIVE
Protein Industries Canada is a values-based, diverse and inclusive organization where differences are acknowledged and celebrated.
ACTIONS
- Allocate 2 per cent of base salaries to professional development activities
- Improve formal communication within the organization
- Approach our work with a cross-functional, one-team approach
- Be intentional in fostering an inclusive workplace environment
- Ensure job postings are more accessible to potential Indigenous candidates
100%
participation rate on annual staff survey
84%
of staff report feeling good to great about their work at Protein Industries Canada
81%
say that Protein Industries Canada “mostly to always” fosters a comfortable and supportive work environment
3.9/5
diversity rating at Protein Industries Canada
RESULTS
- A monthly email to all staff from the CEO was implemented in 2023.
- An annual staff survey is completed with 100% participation rate.
- 84% of staff report feeling good to great about their work at Protein Industries Canada.
- 81% say that Protein Industries Canada “mostly to always” fosters a comfortable and supportive work environment and rate diversity at Protein Industries Canada at 3.9 out of 5.
- Protein Industries Canada continues to participate in the 50-30 Challenge.
- All job postings in 2023-24 were posted to Protein Industries Canada's career page as well as on two job boards specific to the Indigenous communities.
- Implement new compensation program for all staff.
- Protein Industries Canada continues to make staff development a priority, and personal development is included in every employee's annual work plan.
- Protein Industries Canada holds an annual all-staff meeting that includes a day of professional development for all staff.
