New strategic plan for Saskatchewan pulse group

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) launched a new strategic plan with a focus on priorities with the greatest impact to pulse growers in in the province.

Made up of nine farmers, SPG’s board of directors set the direction of the organization up to 2030.

Board chair Winston van Staveren said the new strategic plan highlights four key focus areas: research and variety development, market growth and diversification, grower engagement, and extension.

“SPG recognizes that we cannot focus only on producing more, but we also need to diversify and grow demand and provide an enabling policy environment for producers,” he said. “Extension and engagement with growers is also essential to a profitable pulse industry and this new plan brings balance across all of these areas.”

The new plan highlights a larger focus on advocacy on behalf of producers, and the importance of partnering with other provincial and national organizations in areas like market access, trade policy, market diversification, and public trust.

The plan also features specific strategies to address some of the most critical issues facing pulse growers today, including a multi-disciplinary approach to finding solutions to root rot, continuing to expand partnerships in pulse breeding and variety development creating a competitive breeding environment, and expanding research capacity through both infrastructure and people development.

Carl Potts, Executive Director with SPG, said the organization is focused on work that will provide sustainable growth and profitability for growers.

“We believe this strategic plan sets a clear path towards a more resilient and thriving pulse sector in Saskatchewan,” Potts said.