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The popularity of plant-based protein has some Prairie farmers sold on the potential of peas.

As customers continue to seek out sustainable alternatives or complements to meat, industry and growers alike believe peas and other pulses can meet a growing market need for Canadian-grown plant protein.

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“Traditionally, a lot of plant protein usage has been from soy ingredients,” said Pulse Canada vice-president of market innovation Julianne Curran. “Pea protein usage has been low. But it is increasing.”

Photo by Matt Smith / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

The group has a “25 by 25” plan for a quarter of Canadian pulses to be used in new products by 2025. If they reach their goal, that will include 2 million tonnes of Canadian peas.

Pea protein currently makes up only about 50,000 tonnes of global plant protein, compared to soybeans with more than 700,000 tonnes, according to Curran. But peas’ high protein content, low environmental impact and the rarity of allergies to peas means the pulse could be an easy sell to increasingly conscious consumers who worry about how their eating habits affect the environment.