Innovating for Canada: how plant-based foods can help Canada be a leader in environmental sustainability

When one thinks about innovation, it is easy to imagine rocket ships and robots. Technologies that as children seemed more fairy-tale than reality. But, innovation can take on many forms – from simple – think sliced bread – to truly transformational and sector changing – such as Electric Vehicles.

As Canada looks to do its part to reduce global GHG emissions, we tend to look towards new innovations, or to move away from an established sector. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Canada’s agrifood sector is an important part of Canada’s economy. Already, agriculture and food and beverage processing is the largest employer in Canada. But it can do even more. And while one doesn’t usually think about innovation and food together, that needs to change. An innovative food and ingredient sector can help provide solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges

When Protein Industries Canada was created in 2018, it was largely in response to the economic opportunity. The demand for plant-based foods is forecast to surpass $250 billion globally by 2035. For Canada, we believe that translates to $25 billion a year of new economic activity, and 17,000 new jobs.

Perhaps an equally important benefit is how plant-based foods can help Canada reach our GHG emission reduction goals.

In their 2021 report, Food for Thought, the Boston Consulting Group reported that most consumers are willing to increase plant-based foods in their diet if they don’t have to sacrifice taste, texture and price. Globally, transitioning to plant-based diets will have tangible and measurable impact; in fact, just an 11 per cent shift in meat and eggs will lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions: “…by 2035, the [11 per cent] shift to plant-based meat and eggs alone will have saved more than 1 gigaton of CO2 eqv. That’s the equivalent of Japan going completely carbon neutral for an entire year. Eating that much plant-based protein would save enough water to supply the city of London for 40 years.”

For Canadians to do our part to reach that significant reduction in GHG, it would mean each of us choosing plant-based options two times a week. It is also evidence of why it is important for the Government to continue to support this important sector. Countries around the world are turning to plant-based foods to help battle the impacts of climate change – we believe growing a strong plant-based sector in tandem with our already strong and sustainable agriculture and food sector is a win-win for Canada.

As for each Canadian doing our part, I would like to think that choosing plant-based options two times a week is something we can all aspire to. That’s not a major change to diets. Especially when you consider that Canada leads the world in the production of high-protein crops—peas, lentils, faba, chickpeas, lupin and of course oats and wheat. More so, we have innovative entrepreneurs turning those high-protein crops into high-protein, functional ingredients that can be made into convenient, healthy and tasty food products.

Next time you are in the grocery store, I encourage you to consider adding a plant-based item or two to your cart – you will find Canadian-made plant-based products throughout the grocery store. Not only are these products good for you and your family – they are also good for the environment and good for Canada.