Not-for-profit organisation Protein Industries Canada announced a partnership on 18 March to produce ingredients from locally-grown non-genetically modified (GM) soyabeans.
The US$21.7M (C$27.3M) project would produce soyabean protein ingredients and soyabean oil that complied with organic and non-GMO labelling standards, the organisation said.
Partners in the project include Canada Protein Ingredients Ltd – Ingrédients Protéiques du Canada Ltée (CPHPC), DJ Hendrick International, Agrocorp Processing, Semences Prograin and Synthesis Network.
Canada Protein Ingredients will commit about US$15.9M (C$20 million), with Protein Industries Canada providing the remaining US$5.8M (C$7.3M) in funding.
“Harnessing the potential of new crop varieties developed and grown in Canada generates more opportunities across our entire value chain, from farmers to food manufacturers,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel.
Ontario-based Canada Protein Ingredients will begin production once a site for a new processing facility in Canada was chosen and construction of the facility was completed.
The 25,000 tonnes/year plant would have the potential to increase capacity and expand to other crops, the organisation said.
Semences Prograin will develop and test new non-GM soyabean varieties created for Canada’s growing conditions.
Meanwhile, DJ Hendrick International, which focuses on international business opportunities in Canada, and Agrocorp Processing, a business of Singapore-based Agrocorp, will assist in developing, testing and marketing the new products in international markets.
Guelph-based Synthesis Network is an agri-food consulting and communications firm.
“This investment enables Canada Protein Ingredients to meet growing global demands with completely made-in-Canada products,” said Canada Protein Ingredients CEO Jim Millington.
