RDAR delivers $2.3 million to expand value-added plant protein market

PIP Lethbridge Inc., an ag-tech company specializing in yellow pea processing, received a $215,000 Sustainable CAP grant from RDAR in 2024. This funding supports the development of an advanced extraction method that maintains protein quality while removing the bitter taste and undesirable textures often found in plant proteins.

In the next phase, PIP plans to scale its process and implement new technology for real-time processing data, aiming to maximize protein recovery and minimize loss.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, says that RDAR continues to provide critical investments to projects that are driving innovation and crop diversification that will positively impact Alberta’s agriculture sector and the Alberta economy for generations.

“The PIP project is a prime example of the strong position Alberta is taking in attracting and supporting value-added processing that will be key to our food security and global trading relationships,” explains Minister Sigurdson.

The advancements made so far by the company significantly increase the value of peas, raising their worth from under $1.00/kg to over $8.00/kg. The system developed by PIP improves process efficiency by 20 per cent, reduces power and water usage, and cuts down on maintenance and cleaning costs.