Anticipating what’s to come after a year of success

Milestone dates are always time for reflection and forward thinking, but bear with me … I will keep it short. In today’s virtual world, I am between you and the end of the workday…or during this festive season, maybe a cocktail.

By almost every metric, Protein Industries Canada had a good year—largely due to the strength and support of Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient ecosystem.

We have now fully committed our initial tranche of funding from the federal government, with 47 total projects approved (though not all announced). We are on track to exceed our goals related to job creation and GDP. Internationally, Canada is gaining traction as the place to do business in the plant-based food sector. Our members are attracting new clients, forming new partnerships, scaling-up, creating jobs and growing. From our perspective, cluster theory is proving true: by focusing on transformative industries and supporting collaborative, industry-led innovation, we are accelerating the growth of the sector.

So what is ahead for Protein Industries Canada?

We are quickly approaching the last fiscal year of our current mandate (which brings to mind that old saying, time flies when you’re having fun …). This does, in all honesty, feel a bit surreal. It seems like just yesterday we were trying to figure out this “supercluster thing”. Now we’re thinking about what’s next, how we keep our momentum and ensure this important sector receives the support it needs. A quick scan of the recently released Federal Mandate Letters shows that there is a lot of room for the work of Protein Industries Canada in helping achieve national goals.

• Canada’s agrifood sector is a critical factor in supporting our transition to a green economy. A focus on sustainable production and processing, with ingredients like pulses, along with an increase in domestic processing to shorten food miles can be a key contributor to the reduction of GHG emissions related to food production.

• We are energizing the economy and are an active part of COVID-19 economic recovery. We expect that by 2035, the global demand for plant-based foods will surpass $250 billion. If Canada is successful in securing even 10 per cent of that market (and we believe we can be), that is $25 billion in annual sales and more than 17,000 new jobs.

• An increase in domestic processing will help secure supply chains – ensuring Canadians, and those around the world who rely on Canada for their food, always have access to safe and nutritious food.

I could write more – it is the season for lists (naughty or nice) – but I am confident that most people reading this understand what I am trying to get to.

We have a good story to tell, and our industry is one of true opportunity. The timing over the coming months is critical in telling that story and working together to ensure that Protein Industries Canada receives a renewal of funding – to ensure we can continue our work to build out our innovation ecosystem and bring benefits to every Canadian.

To everyone who has worked with and supported Protein Industries Canada over the past year: thank you. We truly would not be where we are without your support, guidance, and commitment.

Happy Holidays and all the best in 2022.