Government Of Canada Invests Over $1.4 Million In Plant-Based Food Production In British Columbia

Thursday, 25 August 2022 06:40.PM

Canada's plant-based food sector is evolving to meet the increasing global demand for protein. To ensure this development is matched by support for companies to commercialize their products, today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced over $1.4 million in funding for Big Mountain Foods 2 Ltd. in Delta, British Columbia.

Big Mountain Foods 2 Ltd. is a women-owned and operated company that manufactures plant-based foods focused on using quality, local ingredients to sustainably produce alternative protein whole foods. With an investment under the AgriInnovate Program, the company will increase production capacity and efficiency by adding custom, fully automated robotic equipment to the facility. These changes will help commercialize a plant-based, soy-free tofu product made from 100 per cent Canadian grown and milled chickpeas, helping meet the needs of consumers with allergies to soy and special dietary needs.

As people around the world start consuming more plant-based products, farmers and processors have an opportunity to bring together Canadian crops and innovation to help the sector reach new international markets. Canadians are building technology-forward operations to take advantage of the country's global leadership in grains, pulses, and other crops, bringing new quality food options to consumers.

By investing in plant-based innovation to support Canada's competitiveness, the government is positioning plant-based production for continued growth and success today and in the future.

"Plant-based foods are growing in popularity as Canadians are increasingly looking for options to incorporate greater variety into their diets. Investing in businesses like Big Mountain Foods 2 is establishing Canada's position as a global leader in this industry, while increasing consumer choice of alternative protein options."
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

• The AgriInnovate Program provides repayable contributions for projects that aim to accelerate the commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes or services that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability.
• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3-billion, five-year (2018-2023) investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.

SOURCE: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

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