SASKATOON, SASK. — The Canadian government will invest more than C$3.3 million ($2.8 million) to assist Pulse Canada, a national industry association representing growers, processors and traders of pulse crops, said Gerry Ritz, agriculture minister of Canada, on Jan. 13.

The government’s AgriMarketing Program will provide more than C$3 million in funding over five years under Growing Forward 2, a policy framework that helps farmers and food processors compete in both domestic and foreign markets. The funding includes C$1.3 million to generate new tools for the Canadian grain, oilseed and pulse industries that will measure the sustainability performance of Canadian agriculture; C$870,261 to market the nutritional value, health benefits and sustainability of Canadian pulses; and C$897,311 to engage Canadian stakeholders in support of eliminating trade barriers that limit growth opportunities.

Also, the GF2 AgriInnovation Program, which is part of Growing Forward 2, will provide C$270,000 in funding to allow the pulse sector to transfer knowledge and expertise to the food processing and ingredients sector.

“Agriculture and AgriFood Canada’s Growing Forward 2 investments are supporting a new era of cooperation between commodity groups, trade organizations and food companies,” said Gordon Bacon, chief executive officer of Pulse Canada, based in Winnipeg, Man. “Each collaborative effort is focused on driving costs down and enhancing the value of agriproducts grown, marketed and sold by farmers across Canada.”