FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2010

FUNDING SETS STAGE FOR CIGI TO SUPPORT CANADA’S PULSE INDUSTRY

The Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) will embark on a Pulse Flour Milling & Utilization in Food Products Project exploring the processing of pulses into flours for use in food products. Working together with Pulse Canada, industry partners, and other food development centres across Canada, the four-year project has been made possible with support from the Government of Canada, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Alberta Pulse Growers, and the Canadian Special Crops Association.

“With this investment of more than $1 million, CIGI will be able to help establish Canada as a leader in pulse ingredient processing by developing an understanding of how processing affects the functionality of pulse crops,” says Earl Geddes, CIGI Executive Director, adding that the project will enable CIGI to provide superior technical marketing support to Canada’s pulse industry and their customers worldwide. CIGI conducts research and technical support for the Canadian field crop industry, offering expertise in milling, baking, extrusion, and pasta and noodle production.

“CIGI is already a recognized leader in wheat milling technology and this project will not only add to our existing base of technical knowledge but will create a centre of excellence in pulse milling, “ he says. “We appreciate this financial commitment from the federal government, pulse growers of Western Canada, and Canadian pulse exporters and processors and their recognition of the important role pulse crops can play in the supply of ingredients in healthy food products as well as for the sustainability of the environment.”

Canada is a global leader in the production and export of peas and lentils and a major exporter of beans and chickpeas, says Geddes. The Canadian pulse industry has a dominant share in pulse consuming markets around the world, exporting more than $2.2 billion in pulses annually.

CIGI and Pulse Canada will establish an Industry Steering Committee made up of key industry stakeholders, finding partners and representatives from the food processing and milling technology industries, says Dr. Linda Malcolmson, CIGI Lead Research Scientist, Special Crops, Oilseeds and Pulses. CIGI will lead technical aspects of the project and co-ordinate its work with ingredient processors and the food industry. Work will be conducted in conjunction with other food development centres in the development of various food products. Pulse Canada will undertake administration of the project.

“The pilot-scale processing that this project offers is required to successfully introduce pulse flours to the food processing sector,” she adds. “This work will provide ingredient manufacturers and food companies with the technology they need to be able to incorporate pulse flours into food products that will deliver improved nutrition and health properties without adversely affecting taste or texture.”

While on a mission in China, the Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the funding for this project. In addition, Pulse Canada signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Chinese Cereals and Oils Association for new product development using pulses, including flours. China is currently Canada’s third largest market for pulses with 334,000 tonnes of exports worth $107 million in 2009. “CIGI acknowledges the Minister’s invaluable support for the project and the linkages to commercial market opportunities it also offers to industry for important markets like China,” says Geddes.

CIGI is a non-profit market development organization with a vision to be the recognized leader specializing in offering continuous advances in Canadian field crop products to the world. CIGI activities include educational programs, applied research, technical services and customer support. Core funding is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board. Additional funds and support are provided by other sectors of the agriculture industry.

For more information contact:

Ellen Goodman
Communications Specialist,
Canadian International Grains Institute
Winnipeg MB
Tel. (204) 983-1145
egoodman@cigi.ca

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