Canada’s food system is evolving. As consumers look for a diversity
of sustainable, affordable food products, innovators throughout
ingredient manufacturing and food processing sector are working to
develop these products while strengthening and adding value to the
food supply chain. Today, Protein Industries Canada announced a new
project that will further accelerate work in this area, through the
optimization and utilization of pea and fava protein ingredients.
Throughout the course of the project, partners Lovingly Made
Flour Mills, TMRW Foods and Dutton Farms will combine their
expertise to add value to Canadian pea and fava crops. With their
focus on developing optimal varieties into protein ingredients that
meet the functionality needs of food processors, the partners are
creating a full value-chain feedback loop that helps meet the
demands of ingredient processors, food manufacturers and consumers
alike. This will, in turn, help improve the affordability,
nutrition and consistency of the end products, leading to a
stronger domestic ingredient manufacturing industry and capturing
new economic opportunity for Canada.
“Canada is proud to support Protein Industries Canada as it
continues to work with industry to develop new uses for protein
ingredients while fostering strong and resilient supply chains in
Canada,” stated the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne,
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Projects like this
are expanding the supply and diversity of plant-based products both
here in Canada and abroad while supporting an increased selection
of healthy, sustainable food options for consumers.”
“Canada is a leader when it comes to innovation in agriculture,
and we’re always looking for ways to strengthen our food supply
chain and help feed the world with healthy and nutritious food.
Investments in developing crop varieties and improving processing
methods for plant-based foods will get more value back to our
farmers and food processors, while giving folks the opportunity to
try new ingredients,” said The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay,
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Beginning in the field, Dutton Farms will work with Lovingly
Made to determine the best pea and fava varieties for use in
Lovingly Made’s processing and extrusion methods. This will help
Lovingly Made optimize their processing and extrusion methods, with
the goal of developing new texturized vegetable protein
ingredients. TMRW Foods will then test these ingredients, as well
as use Dutton Farms’ varieties to extrude their own protein
ingredients, for use in new meat alternative products for grocery
and food service in Canadian and international markets.
“Investment into Canada’s ingredient manufacturing sector can
help improve Canada’s productivity and prosperity,” Protein
Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel said. “By focusing on developing
and better utilizing pea and fava ingredients, partners Lovingly
Made Flour Mills, TMRW Foods and Dutton Farms are bringing
increased value to two key Canadian protein crops. This value will
only build as the ingredients make their way into finished food
products and reach international markets, helping Canada achieve
its $25 billion opportunity in plant-based food, ingredients and
bioproducts.”
A total of $7.7 million has been committed to the project, with
Protein Industries Canada investing $3.3 million and the partners
committing the remainder. This focused investment on ingredient
processing and continued addition of value through further food
manufacturing is expected to help boost Canada’s footprint in the
global plant-based food, ingredient and bioproducts sector, helping
it meet its $25 billion potential.
“Lovingly Made Flour Mills is thrilled to partner with Dutton
Farms and TMRW Foods through this funding from Protein Industries
Canada, which marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration
aimed at driving innovation forward. This funding not only
underscores our commitment to innovation but also enables us to
bring groundbreaking solutions to the forefront in plant-based
proteins,” said Heidi Dutton, Chief Executive Officer of Lovingly
Made Flour Mills.
"We are privileged to receive this support, which allows us to
add significant value to the Canadian agricultural supply chain.
Plant proteins are the most efficient way to feed the planet, and
this project will accelerate our ability to make high-quality
alternative proteins accessible and affordable to the masses,” TMRW
Foods Co-Founder and CEO Dean Blignaut said.
“The Protein Industries Canada research project is a significant
milestone for Dutton Farms, enabling us to concentrate on
increasing yield, protein and seed quality. These factors are not
only crucial for the profitability of faba bean in production for
farmers, but also hold immense potential for the plant food
industry, promising a future of more nutritious and sustainable
food options,” Dutton Farms Owner Vicki Dutton said. “Dutton Farms
is proud to collaborate with these two game-changing plant food
industry pioneers.”
Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global
Innovation Clusters. Protein Industries Canada and its members are
working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by
Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product
sector. Projects such as these add value to, and create new markets
for, Canadian crops, generating local jobs and supporting new
economic development in locations across Canada. More information
can be found at theroadto25billion.ca.
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About Lovingly Made Flour Mills
Founded in 2018, Lovingly Made Flour Mills stands as Canada’s
leading dry fractionation plant, specializing in the transformation
of pulse crops into high-quality food ingredients. With a
commitment to innovation and sustainability, they have established
themselves as pioneers in the industry, utilizing state-of-the-art
technology and expertise to deliver premium products to their
customers. In 2023, they expanded their operations by acquiring
Canada’s premier protein extrusion plant, further solidifying their
position as a leader in the market. Located in close proximity to
the growing regions of pea and faba bean, as well as key breeding
programs, knowledge and research centers, their facilities are
strategically positioned to maximize efficiency and quality. Their
dedicated team is passionate about driving forward the pulse
industry, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for
generations to come.
About TMRW Foods
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, TMRW is a food innovation
company exploring the endless ways in which plant protein can feed
the planet—today and tomorrow.
Their mission is to shift our planet's reliance on animal
protein to alternative sources. To achieve this, we must create
food solutions that meet the needs of many. They believe that plant
proteins must be more flavourful, nutritious, affordable and
accessible than animal proteins for a more sustainable food system
to become a reality.
About Dutton Farms
In the 1970s, Dutton Farms blazed a trail in the agriculture
industry by being one of the first farms in the area to introduce
pulse crops into its rotation. As a seed grower, they produced
select seeds of new varieties, pioneering the diversification of
farmers' genetics. The seed plant evolved into exporting peas, a
testament to their foresight and adaptability. As exporters
traveling the world selling Canadian pulses, they gained a deep
understanding of the importance of seeds, better access and market
demand. In 2024, Dutton Farms, continuing its legacy of innovation,
is researching how to further increase yield and performance in
pulse crops.
Miranda Burski
Protein Industries Canada
306-581-1340
miranda@proteinsupercluster.ca