In a significant move that could reshape Canada’s plant-based protein landscape, Saskatchewan has secured a major investment aimed at expanding its pea protein processing capabilities. The announcement, made earlier this week by provincial officials, represents a strategic pivot toward strengthening Canada’s foothold in the rapidly growing global plant protein market, estimated to reach $85 billion by 2030.
The investment, totaling over $150 million, will establish a state-of-the-art processing facility in Regina capable of transforming locally-grown yellow peas into high-value protein isolates. This development comes at a critical juncture as Canada’s agricultural sector faces mounting pressure to diversify beyond traditional exports.
“Saskatchewan already produces nearly 50% of Canada’s pulse crops, making this a natural progression in our agricultural value chain,” explained Agriculture Minister David Marit. “Rather than exporting raw commodities, we’re now creating the infrastructure to process these crops domestically, generating significantly more economic value and creating sustainable jobs.”
The facility, expected to begin operations by late 2025, will initially process approximately 100,000 tonnes of yellow peas annually, creating an estimated 120 direct jobs and hundreds more in supporting industries. Industry analysts at the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership note this represents just the beginning of what could become a protein processing hub in the prairie province.
Global demand for plant proteins has surged dramatically, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable food options and growing concerns about traditional protein production’s environmental impact. Major food manufacturers have scrambled to secure reliable supply chains for plant-based ingredients, creating an opportunity that Saskatchewan appears poised to capitalize on.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, told CO24: “This investment positions Saskatchewan at the forefront of a global shift in protein consumption patterns. The province has the agricultural capacity and now will have the processing capability to become a significant player in the plant protein supply chain.”
The economic implications extend beyond the processing facility itself. Local farmers are expected to benefit from more stable demand and potentially higher prices for yellow peas, while the regional economy will gain from both direct employment and associated support services.
The environmental benefits are equally compelling. Pulse crops like peas naturally fix nitrogen in soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. The processing facility itself is designed to incorporate renewable energy sources and water recycling systems, aligning with Canada’s broader climate objectives.
Not everyone is convinced the investment will deliver on all its promises. Some agricultural economists have questioned whether domestic processing can remain competitive against established international players, particularly those in Europe and the United States where plant-based food markets are more mature.
However, proponents argue that Saskatchewan’s combination of abundant raw materials, clean energy options, and strategic location for North American distribution create natural advantages that will prove difficult to match.
As global food systems continue evolving toward more sustainable and diversified protein sources, the question remains whether Canada’s prairie provinces can successfully transform from commodity producers to value-added manufacturers. Will Saskatchewan’s bold bet on pea protein processing become the template for agricultural evolution across the country?
