Celebrating Decades of Canadian Leadership & Innovation

On World Pulses Day, we celebrate decades of Canadian contributions to the global pulse sector. Canada is one of the top producers and exporters of pulses, known for our high-quality crops, cutting edge research and innovation, and world-leading sustainability practices. Canadian growers, researchers, and industry leaders work hard to keep pulses at the centre of the future of food. With years of investment and progress, Canada continues to lead in pulse production, sustainability, and global trade.

Market Growth and Innovation

For decades, Canada has dedicated significant resources to ensuring that our pulses are among the best in the world. Through extensive research and technological advancements, we continue to improve crop quality and yield.

Canada also continues to invest in pre-competitive research, supporting long-term innovation in value-added processing. With decades of scientific expertise, we are building on our legacy of pioneering pulse research. Early studies from the 1970s and 1980s explored the potential of pulses in food applications, from improving wheat breads with pulse blends to using pea and faba bean concentrates in meat alternatives. More recently, Canadian researchers have focused on improving extraction processes to enhance the functionality and nutritional value of pulse ingredients. This history of research underscores Canada’s dedication to advancing the pulse industry.

Beyond the farm, Canada has a long-standing history of processing pulse ingredients, dating back to the 1980s. The country has played a pivotal role in developing innovative ways to incorporate pulses into a variety of food products. From flour milling to fractionation, Canadian companies have led the way in turning pulses into versatile and nutritious ingredients. Processing facilities across the Prairies continue to expand, increasing the capacity to produce pulse-based protein isolates, starches, and fibers for use in everything from plant-based foods to gluten-free baking.

Through collaborations with industry partners, researchers, and government agencies, Canada is driving innovation that strengthens global demand for pulses. With investments in new technologies, improved processing techniques, and market expansion strategies, Canadian pulses continue to offer solutions that meet consumer preferences and industry needs.

Global Trade and Market Access

Canada plays a vital role in feeding the world. Over the past five years, our pulses have been exported to more than 120 countries, demonstrating the trust and demand for Canadian-grown products. In 2023, Canada was the world’s largest exporter of pulses, supplying global markets with over $4.6 billion worth of peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans and faba beans. The diversity of export destinations highlights the versatility and global appeal of Canadian pulses.

Canadian pulses are a key ingredient in a wide range of foods across different cultures. Peas from Canada are used to make noodles in China, traditional dishes in India, plant-based burgers in the United States, and popular snack foods in the Philippines. As plant-based proteins gain momentum worldwide, Canadian pulses continue to meet the evolving demands of consumers seeking nutritious and sustainable food options. Lentils and chickpeas from Canada are also being incorporated into ready-to-eat meals, soups, and dairy alternatives, further expanding their reach into mainstream diets.

With strong trade relationships and continuous efforts to eliminate market barriers, Canada ensures that our pulses remain a reliable and high-quality choice for food manufacturers and consumers worldwide. The industry is actively working on improving market access through policy advocacy, trade agreements, and infrastructure investments, ensuring smooth and efficient pulse exports. Government and industry partnerships have also helped streamline inspection and certification processes, ensuring Canadian pulses meet the highest international standards.

Canada’s pulse sector is also embracing digital solutions and technology-driven approaches to strengthen trade. By streamlining logistics, enhancing supply chain transparency, and improving market intelligence, Canada is setting the standard for a modern, globally competitive pulse industry. Digital traceability tools, blockchain-based tracking systems, and real-time market insights are helping ensure that buyers around the world can trust the consistency and quality of Canadian pulses.

World-Class Sustainable Growing Practices

Pulses are among the most sustainable crops in the world, and Canada has the data to prove it. As nitrogen-fixing plants, pulses naturally enrich the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This contributes to a lower carbon footprint and helps mitigate environmental impacts. Canadian pulses alone reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3.6 million tonnes annually—equivalent to taking over a million cars off the road each year.

For generations, Canadian farmers have recognized the benefits of pulses for their land and their operations. Pulses thrive in Canada’s climate, adapting well to short growing seasons and semi-arid conditions. Their ability to enhance soil health while requiring fewer resources makes them a natural choice for sustainable farming. Research has shown that pulse crops improve soil microbial activity, enhance nitrogen cycling, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs, making them an integral part of sustainable crop rotations.

Beyond the farm, the environmental benefits of pulses extend throughout the food supply chain. Because of their low carbon footprint, pulses are increasingly used to create more sustainable food products, from plant-based proteins to livestock feed and even pet food. Pulse-based proteins serve as a lower-emission alternative to animal-based proteins, and their ability to enrich soil makes them an environmentally responsible choice for food production.

Canada’s deep understanding of sustainability, backed by the most comprehensive pulse sustainability data in the world, positions us as a global leader in responsible agriculture. The industry continues to build on this foundation by developing new tools for measuring sustainability, tracking carbon footprints, and enhancing regenerative farming practices. These efforts align with global sustainability goals and ensure that Canadian pulses remain a top choice for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

Leading a Profitable and Sustainable Canadian Pulse Industry

With decades of investment and progress, Canada’s pulse sector is leading in high-quality crops, cutting-edge research and innovation, and world-leading sustainability practices. As global demand for environmentally responsible food sources grows, Pulse Canada continues working to ensure Canadian pulses are the preferred choice.

Today we celebrate the growers, researchers, and industry experts whose hard work keep Canada at the top of global pulse production. Their dedication and innovation drive the industry forward, ensuring that Canadian pulses remain a key part of global food security and sustainable agriculture. We're proud to work alongside Canada’s pulse industry as we advance agricultural technology, support sustainability goals, and expand market opportunities to ensure Canadian pulses are on plates in all corners of the world.