Canada Spending $3.2 Million on Pulse Marketing

OTTAWA - Mar 23.06 - SNS -- The Canadian government will spend $3.2 million until 2008 funding something called the Pulse Innovation Project, intended to "explore new North American markets for pulse crops such as lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas."

The press statement from Agriculture Canada says the Pulse Innovation Project will create a market-driven action plan for the pulse industry that will focus on new applications for pulse crops primarily in the area of health and wellness.

Pulses are high in fibre and resistant starch, as well as protein, minerals and vitamins. These nutrients offer many benefits for health and chronic disease prevention, including lower cholesterol, improved blood glucose control and weight management.

The government claims the project also supports new partnerships in Canada's scientific and commercial agriculture communities. Other contributions to the project include major participation from Pulse Canada and Saskatchewan, and additional support from Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.