Bringing the potential of Canadian crops back to Canada

Canada has a global reputation for high-quality crops. That reputation is why our agriculture industry is so export-heavy, with the vast majority of our crops leaving Canada to be processed in markets around the world.

But that’s changing. As innovative Canadian minds invest time and money into a variety of research and development work, they’re able to turn new crop varieties into improved, healthier and more sustainable ingredients—right here at home. Doing so not only provides a steady supply of new ingredients for food manufacturers to work with, but also provides Canadians with new job opportunities, a stronger economy and a more efficient, stronger food supply chain.

“Within the food supply chain, protein processing has been identified as one of the key areas of need for growth in Canada,” Director of Business Development at Burcon NutraScience Benoit Keppenne said. “Currently, a number of Canadian crops are exported for further processing because Canada does not have the infrastructure. Strengthening the plant protein sector will require us to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. By keeping the crops in Canada for value-add processing, we can bolster the efficiency of Canada’s food supply chain and, simultaneously, boost the entire food value chain."

Burcon is one of many companies across Canada working to improve Canadian plant proteins, either at the crop level or ingredient level. This includes traits such as functionality, taste, texture, nutritional profile, yield potential and disease resistance, while also working to bring the price of finished products to a level on par or lower than traditional protein products.

Plenty of progress has been made in each area, with several companies already releasing products that meet consumer and manufacturer demand.

“Minimal processing, which focuses on optimizing the functional protein and starch in pulses and oats, virtually transforms them without creating by-products. These whole ingredients may be used to replace eggs, starches and gums in a variety of foods and beverages,” VP of Sales and Marketing at Avena Foods Margaret Hughes said. “Avena is focused on the specialty milling of ready-to-eat functional ingredients that are naturally high in protein, fibre and micronutrients. Our innovation approach is whole ingredient based—how we can solve formulation challenges with protein-based whole ingredients.”

The concept of adding value to our crops here in Canada is being applied to both those seen as traditionally Canadian as well as those growing in acreage and use. Avena is focused on pulses and oat ingredients, while Burcon has widened its varieties from pea, canola, soy and hemp to add sunflower into their protein offerings. Growing SME Prairie Fava, meanwhile, is focused on a single crop growing in popularity among industry and consumers alike: fava bean.

“Farmers need a crop that they can sell, which is why fava production is really exciting,” Co-founder of Prairie Fava Hailey Jefferies said. “Fava offers unique benefits compared to its [competitors] in the food sector, while the crop offers benefits agronomically by solving a rotational problem for growers.”

With companies across the country focused on bringing the potential of Canadian crops back to Canada, consumers can look forward to a variety of benefits—everything from better-tasting, healthier foods to a stronger economy and more jobs.