New investments strengthen Canada's food supply chain and support value added agriculture
Canada is taking new steps to strengthen its food supply chain and create more value from the crops grown across the country. Protein Industries Canada has announced that nine companies from different provinces are joining its Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain program. The initiative aims to help businesses develop new food products, increase the use of Canadian ingredients, and support long-term economic growth.
The program focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses create or improve food products using ingredients sourced from Canadian farms. By supporting domestic processing and manufacturing, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on imported ingredients while creating new opportunities for farmers, processors, and consumers.
Industry leaders believe Canada has significant potential to increase economic activity by processing more of its agricultural production within the country. Expanding domestic manufacturing can create jobs, generate additional income, and provide consumers with a wider range of food products made from Canadian-grown crops.
According to Protein Industries Canada, strengthening domestic supply chains could contribute billions of dollars to Canada's economy while supporting thousands of jobs. The strategy also helps improve food security by encouraging the use of local ingredients and reducing supply chain risks.
The nine participating companies are located across Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Their projects represent a wide range of food innovation efforts designed to increase the value of Canadian agricultural products.
Nora’s Non Dairy, based in British Columbia, is focusing on developing plant-based dairy alternatives using Canadian oats, pea protein, and faba protein. Through advanced processing methods such as fermentation and freeze-drying, the company aims to create nutritious products that meet growing consumer demand for plant-based foods. These efforts will help expand the use of Canadian-grown crops in high-value food products.
“Canada’s food production and value-added agriculture sector is built on strong foundations, but we have the opportunity to do more,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Tyler Groeneveld. “Innovative companies across Canada see the potential in our crops—a potential that can only be reached through increased processing here at home, and one that will mean new food options and new economic opportunity for all Canadians.”
Sperri, based in Nova Scotia, is working to replace imported plant protein ingredients with Canadian-sourced pea and hemp proteins in meal replacement beverages. The project will help strengthen local supply chains while supporting Canadian farmers who produce these crops. By sourcing ingredients domestically, the company hopes to improve supply chain reliability and create additional market opportunities for Canadian agriculture.
Tartistes Tarts Inc., based in British Columbia, is developing innovative bakery technologies that use Canadian pulse proteins. By replacing imported bakery ingredients with products made from domestic pulses, the company is helping increase demand for Canadian-grown crops while supporting local food manufacturing. The project also highlights the growing importance of innovation in creating new food solutions.
Together, the nine projects have received a total investment of $1.9 million. Protein Industries Canada is providing $1.3 million of that funding, while the participating companies are contributing the remaining amount. The investment will help businesses move new products closer to market while strengthening Canada's position as a leader in food innovation.
The initiative is also encouraging companies to explore new ways to create value from crops already produced in Canada. Instead of exporting raw materials, businesses are being supported in transforming those ingredients into finished food products. This approach can generate higher economic returns while creating additional jobs throughout the food and agriculture sectors.
Applications are currently open for the fourth cohort of the Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain program. The program continues to attract companies interested in developing innovative products and expanding the use of Canadian agricultural ingredients. Click on the link to apply.
These projects are part of a broader vision to grow Canada's plant-based food, feed, and ingredient industry. Protein Industries Canada believes increased domestic processing and innovation can help build a stronger agricultural economy while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
As companies continue investing in food innovation, Canada is positioning itself to become a global leader in value-added agriculture. By supporting homegrown businesses, encouraging the use of domestic ingredients, and strengthening supply chains, initiatives like this can help create a more resilient and competitive food system for the future.
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