Canadian farmers are embarking on a groundbreaking initiative worth $4.3 million to enhance the country’s agriculture and food sector. Spearheaded by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd., this project, supported by Protein Industries Canada, aims to fortify Canada’s identity-preserved non-GMO soybean market and drive innovation in plant-based food production.
Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the project’s significance in expanding soybean production, creating economic opportunities for farmers, and meeting the global demand for plant-based products. The investment seeks to address challenges faced by Canadian farmers in maintaining their share of the premium soybean export market, particularly in regions like Asia where soy-based products are popular.
The project introduces a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties tailored for Canada’s northern climates. These new varieties are designed to enhance yield, resist soybean cyst nematode, and adapt to diverse environmental conditions, narrowing the yield gap between GMO and non-GMO crops. This development marks a turning point for Canada’s non-GMO soybean sector, offering farmers improved options and access to high-value markets.
Collaborating with industry partners, the project aims to create innovative, regionally adapted food-grade soy varieties with unique quality traits for both domestic and export markets. The initiative aligns with the partners’ commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring the production of high-quality, traceable, and sustainably grown soybeans for global markets.
Going beyond the fields, the project’s second phase focuses on developing a novel soy-based plant protein product. This product, the first of its kind, utilizes extruded whole non-GMO soybeans to produce high-protein meat-like shreds with a full nutrient profile. Intended to serve as a versatile protein source, the product caters to the increasing demand for plant-based foods, offering consumers a sustainable and nutritious alternative.
Yumasoy Foods Ltd.’s CEO expressed gratitude for the project’s support, emphasizing its transformative impact on the Canadian food industry. The investment enables the scaling of a uniquely Canadian product, providing new business opportunities, sustainability, and diverse food choices both domestically and globally.
This project represents a part of Protein Industries Canada’s broader initiative to boost domestic innovation and propel Canada’s plant-based food sector toward a $25 billion industry. With Protein Industries Canada investing $1.9 million and industry partners contributing $2.4 million, this project showcases the collaborative efforts driving Canada’s leadership in plant-based ingredients and food innovation.
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