Government of Canada announces funding to strengthen the pulse sector and mitigate climate change

Canada is the largest exporter of pulses in the world, shipping a significant amount of dry peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas to over 120 countries every year—making the pulse industry a key driver of the Canadian economy.

To further strengthen Canada's pulse industry, today, Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $11,017,979 to Pulse Canada. This funding is provided through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Through research, the Cluster will help address challenges in production which will result in reduced nitrogen fertilizer consumption across crop rotations, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon sequestration, lower disease risks and increased profits for farmers.

Expected outcomes of the Cluster research include:

• Supporting the Government of Canada's 2030 and 2050 climate targets by developing new management practices for reduced fertilizer or fungicide applications.
• Contributing to a sustainable and profitable future for pulse growers by developing new varieties to improve production efficiency, protein yield and profitability.
• Helping industry achieve goals associated with development of pulse varieties resistant to disease and resilient to environmental stress.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has partnered with Prairies Economic Development Canada and other government departments in support of the Green Prairie Economy. This investment is an example of the commitment to supporting businesses and communities across the Prairie provinces and seizing new opportunities to grow Canada's globally competitive economy sustainably.