Funds from the provincial and federal government will allow researchers at the University of Saskatchewan to develop new opportunities for starches from pulse crops.
The $2.5 million in funding through Saskatchewan's Strategic Research Initiative has been awarded to Dr. Yongfeng Ai at the University of Saskatchewan.
Pulse crops like beans, lentils, and peas contain starch. Starch has several uses; it is sometimes included as an ingredient in food products. The goal is to advance the ability to separate starch from the seed, and further understand what is required to convert pulse starches into value-added products.
"This project will build the university's reputation as a leading research institution, working to highlight Canada's innovation ecosystem on the global stage," USask Vice-President Research Baljit Singh said. "Dr. Ai's work demonstrates the clear potential for development of value-added pulse products to industry and the public at large."
Several groups are partnering on the project, including InfraReady Products, C-Merak Foods, P&H Milling Group, and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.
"A major component of our market development strategy is to diversify markets and end-uses for pulses," Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Executive Director Carl Potts said. "In order to further expand value-added processing of pulses in Saskatchewan, there needs to be strong demand for all co-products of pulse processing. In particular, we need more high value markets that can utilize starch in volume."
The Strategic Research Initiative is part of a suite of research and demonstration programs funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3 billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $2 billion for programs cost-shared by the federal and provincial/territorial governments that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
