Pulse Research Cluster Gets $15M

SASKATOON - Jul 29/13 - SNS -- The Canadian government is contributing $15 million to support research aimed at developing new pulse varieties, improving agronomic practices, responding to consumer demand for healthier foods and contributing to potential health claims linked to pulse consumption.

The money is going to Pulse Canada, which will create a "research cluster" to "help the sector meet the growing global demand for top quality Canadian pulses and ensure the industry remains competitive and sustainable," Agriculture Canada said in a press statement.

The cluster will support the priority research of the industry. While industry leadership and investment are key to the success of the initiative, the cluster will benefit from the expertise of scientists based in AAFC Research Centres across the country who have been at the forefront of pulse crop research for over a century, developing high-quality, disease-resistant cultivars with improved seed quality.

This research builds on an earlier $7 million contribution from the Canadian government. Among other findings, this prior cluster led to the development of a lentil-based sport nutrition bar that offers metabolic benefits and enhances recovery following exercise, as well as the adoption of narrow-row dry bean production which reduces soil erosion, enhances soil quality and promotes long-term sustainability.