Protein Industries Canada has announced the launch of five new projects that aim to create a more resilient domestic food supply and strengthen the country’s economy.

The projects focus on expanding the availability and use of ingredients grown and processed in Canada. They are part of the Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain programme, launched in response to concerns around trade-related tension and designed to reduce reliance on imports.

These five initiatives span Canada’s agri-food sector, representing companies from Ontario and British Columbia, and the ingredient manufacturing and food processing industries.

The new ingredients, foods and beverages commercialised as a result will boost the use of Canadian protein crops, supporting farmers while offering families across the country a wider variety of locally made food options.

As part of the project, Earth’s Own Foods will be transitioning its US-based soybean supply to source directly from Canada, creating a fully Canadian soy-based beverage and providing consumers with a high-protein dairy alternative.

Oat & Mill will also replace its US-sourced pea protein with new Canadian protein ingredients, while Cedar Valley Selections is reformulating its pita chips product to include Canadian pulses. This will also reduce the chips’ oil absorption during production to create a healthier and more sustainable snack.

Prairie Goodness, in British Columbia, is reformulating its lentil-based chips to improve their taste and texture, enhancing the product’s quality while increasing demand for Canadian legumes. Plant Up, based in Ontario, is also reformulating and scaling its fava and pea-based snack puffs to improve texture, nutrition and production efficiency. This will support Canadian pulse crops while boosting the company’s competitiveness.

A total of CAD 1.3 million (approx. $932,000) has been invested into the projects, with Protein Industries Canada committing CAD 615,000 (approx. $441,000) and the companies committing the remainder.

Mélanie Joly, Minister of industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, commented: “The resilience and success of our agrifood supply chain are vital to Canada’s economy”.

“By harnessing the potential of Canadian crops and ingredients through innovation, Protein Industries Canada is helping to overcome trade-related challenges while ensuring access to high-quality, locally sourced food and creating lasting economic opportunities from coast to coast.”