Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
January 23, 2015 

The Harper Government is investing $950,000 in pulse research to help the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) identify new, innovative uses for the high-protein, high-fibre family of legumes, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today.

This investment will help Cigi develop new food products from roller-milled pulse flour to boost the pulse sector's flour processing and milling capacity. The development of innovative roller milling technology and pre- and post-milling techniques for the production of pulse flour for use in food products is expected to ultimately increase the global market share for Canadian pulses.

Quick facts

• Cigi has worked with the agricultural community worldwide since 1972 in the promotion and utilization of Canadian field crops, including pulses.
• In 2013, the pulse sector generated $1.7 billion in farm sales and pulses represent Canada's third largest export crop after wheat and canola, with close to $2 billion in global sales.
• This investment is made through the $50 million Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program that is helping the sector seize new opportunities, respond to emerging issues, and investigate and pilot approaches to deal with new and ongoing issues.
• This latest project builds on the success of an investment of $1 million under the previous CAAP that helped the pulse sector tap into a new opportunity for turning pulse crops into healthy, functional flour ingredients.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the importance of the pulse sector to Canada's economy. This strategic investment will enable CIGI to research new, novel uses of pulse flour, leading to increased demand for Canadian pulses and boosting our producers' bottom lines."

- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"This funding from the Government of Canada shows their support for our work at Cigi and allows us to advance our applied research with pulses as value-added ingredients in commercially produced foods. Finding new and important uses helps Cigi to promote Canadian pulse crops on behalf of farmers and industry."

- Cigi CEO JoAnne Buth

Additional links

• Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (2014-19)
• Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi)

Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca

Published: January 23, 2015