SASKATOON — Lots of resources in lots of places could be brought together to build a plant protein juggernaut.
But right now, many of those resources are sitting in silos in central North American universities, research centres, company offices and government departments.
“There is a need for a bridging,” said Venkatesh Meda, a University of Saskatchewan bioengineering professor, as he described the potential opportunity in producing protein-rich crops.
“There’s a need for cross-connection and cross disciplines.”Meda is one of the Protein Highway’s inaugural board of directors. It will continue work on establishing the metaphorical highway, an initiative that was launched by the Canadian Consulate in Minneapolis, that draws together organizations and industries involved in plant protein production, research and development on the Canadian Prairies and a number of American Midwest and northern Plains states.
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Farmers across the middle of North America grow huge quantities of protein-rich crops like peas, beans, soybeans, cereals and oilseeds, but many research and development efforts have been unco-ordinated between regions, states and provinces, countries, universities, companies and grower organizations.
The Protein Highway concept attempts to bring together the disparate resources committed to these types of crop research and development and foster work that will improve the situation for all farmers, industries and political jurisdictions.
“If we don’t do it, the world will,” said Meda.
The Protein Highway turns out to have been a prescient move by the consulate, which in 2016 saw an opportunity that seemed to promise real potential to add value to some of the crops grown by thousands of farmers in the region.
However, at the time plant protein talk wasn’t anywhere near as widespread as it has been since plant-based hamburgers began appearing at fast food restaurants, as well as at most large grocery store chains.
Major companies have been investing in plant-protein products and processors have been building plants, including a number in Western Canada.
Meda said he’s hoping the Protein Highway helps connect the various players and interests so more can be produced from the resources in existence but currently only loosely co-ordinated.
“Can you boost regional confidence and competence?” said Meda.
