Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) has committed almost $2 million to nine Pulse Cluster projects under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) AgriScience Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including work to mitigate root rot risk and other issues affecting Alberta pulse farmers.

“Canadian pulse farmers are vitally important to our economy,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will bring together the top experts in pulse growing and research from across the Prairies to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector for generations to come.”

“Participation in Cluster projects helps APG research dollars go further to address issues like root rot for our grower members,” said Shane Strydhorst, Chair of Alberta Pulse Growers. “This investment demonstrates the commitment of APG and the Government of Canada to research programs that benefit pulse growers. We really appreciate Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s continued investment into pulse research and look forward to learning from the results of these projects.”

The AgriScience Pulse Cluster brings together researchers from across Canada to work on pulse specific issues that were prioritized through a collaborative effort between Alberta Pulse Growers, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Ontario Bean Growers, as well as Pulse Canada.

The work that APG’s funding will support includes: Dr. Parthiba Balasubramanian’s dry bean sustainability and improved productivity under irrigation project at AAFC Lethbridge; Dr. Dengjin Bing’s pea breeding for protein yield, maturity, standability and seed size project at AAFC Lacombe; Dr. Maryse Bourgault’s large root systems for drought tolerance, carbon sequestration and root rot resistance project at the University of Saskatchewan; Dr. Syama Chatterton’s accelerating solutions to root rot of pea and lentil using a multi-faceted approach project at AAFC Lethbridge; Dr. Nicholas Larkan’s diversity set for genomic improvement of faba bean project at the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre; and Dr. Tom Warkentin’s improved pea cultivars to enhance Canada’s leading role in international pea markets project at the University of Saskatchewan.

The total value of research included under the five-year AgriScience Pulse Cluster is more than $21 million, with $11 million coming from AAFC and $10.4 million from other funders.

Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Manager
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Chair of the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) is pleased to continue working with the new and experienced members of the Board of Directors to achieve the vision of pulses on every farm, on every plate.

Shane Strydhorst of Neerlandia was re-elected to the role of Chair following last week’s annual general meeting.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the great work this board has initiated to maximize opportunities for Alberta’s pulse farmers,” Strydhorst said. “The addition of a new director will bring fresh perspectives as we continue promoting and building upon the economic benefits of growing peas, beans, faba beans, lentils, chickpeas and soybeans, as well as the sustainability of our industry. We are also working hard to address root rot and other challenges for our growers.”

Strydhorst grows peas, faba beans and other crops alongside his wife Sheri. He will lead an Executive Committee that includes returning Vice-Chair Peter Konstapel of Spirit River (Zone 4) and Past-Chair Robert Semeniuk (Zone 5).

Michael Bury of Mannville joined the board following the AGM as Director-at-Large (Non-Bean), replacing Bev Wieben of Fairview who became a Zone 4 Director.

APG’s 12-member board also includes Directors Greg Stamp of Enchant and Will Muller of Bow Island in Zone 1, Kevin Auch of Carmangay and Peter Hoff of Gleichen in Zone 2, Chris Allam of Ardrossan in Zone 3, Scott Keller of New Norway in Zone 5, and Director-at-Large (Bean) John Kolk of Picture Butte, who was re-elected to the position at the AGM.

Outgoing Zone 4 Director Jerome Isaac was thanked for his contributions and years of service at the annual general meeting.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Click here to view APG’s zone map by county. Farmers interested in getting involved as a zone advisor are asked to contact APG to learn more about what this entails and the benefits!

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Manager
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

Today Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) announced funding for a new pulse-specific research program through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Alberta Pulse Growers is a co-funder of the SRI program. Read the SPG news release here.

Pulse producers who want to grow the province’s pulse industry while developing their own leadership skills are invited to let their names stand for election as an Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) Advisor at their zone meeting this fall.

“I strongly encourage any interested pulse farmers to join the APG team,” APG Chair Shane Strydhorst said. “I started out as an Advisor like most APG Directors, and it has been a very rewarding experience. Becoming an Advisor is a great way to get involved with the organization. Each of our five zones has available positions and it’s a good introduction to APG, working on committees, and making improvements for Alberta pulse farmers.”

A team of Advisors leads extension activities specific to each of APG’s five zones. Directors on APG’s provincial board often serve as Advisors first.

Available positions are presented below, along with this fall’s meeting dates.

Producers must have sold pulses and paid service charges since August 1, 2021 in order to be eligible as an Advisor. Anyone interested in letting their name stand for an Advisor position is asked to complete and submit a nomination form by Nov. 7, 2023. Each candidate must be endorsed by another pulse producer from their zone. The form is available on APG’s homepage at www.albertapulse.com .

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,000 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Manager
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) is investing $500,000 into a research initiative that will address several challenges to growing pulses, especially the risk of root rot, which continues to be a major issue for Alberta pea and lentil farmers.

“This research initiative will be instrumental in addressing a number of the challenges facing pulse growers in the province especially root rot complex,” said APG Chair Shane Strydhorst. “This investment supports the board’s strategic targets for supporting root rot research which has set a bold goal of eradicating the risk that root diseases pose to pulse crops in Alberta and western Canada.”

APG’s $500,000 investment will leverage $6 million for the PEACE (Pea Climate-Efficient) project, which will develop climate-resilient, low carbon footprint field pea as a preferred rotation crop through the inter-disciplinary integration of genomic technologies. The research will be conducted by Dr. Marcus Samuel, University of Calgary, and Dr. Sateesh Kagale, National Research Council, Saskatoon. This four-year project will reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems by building their resiliency, environmental sustainability, and economic growth potential.

Earlier this year, the APG board committed $3 million over the next five years with the potential to be amplified by matching from other funding sources. Today’s investment into the PEACE project also received funding from partners, as well as Genome Alberta and Genome Canada. The process to receive Genome Canada funding is very competitive and speaks highly to this project’s merit. Read more here.

APG has invested in root rot research projects since the disease became an issue 10 years ago. Peas, lentils and, to a lesser extent, dry beans are all susceptible pulse crops. APG was first introduced to the pathogen Aphanomyces eutiches in 2013, and it was immediately identified as a serious threat to pulse production. This discovery was a catalyst to research efforts aimed at managing root diseases.

Over the last 10 years, APG has made significant effort to understand the disease, correctly diagnose it and address the intricacies of the complex interaction between plant, pathogen and environment. Research has resulted in farmers having the knowledge to better assess the risk, but there haven’t been any significant breakthroughs for farmers who want to plant pulses for the crop’s economic and sustainability benefits.

Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,000 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Manager
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) recently approved an investment of $3 million over five years for research projects that reduce the risk of root rot, which continues to be a major issue for Alberta pea and lentil farmers.

“Research funded by this $3 million investment of grower dollars is expected to improve the bottom line for Alberta pulse farms,” said APG Chair Shane Strydhorst. “APG has invested in root rot research projects since the disease became an issue 10 years ago. This research resulted in more being known about the disease, but root rot remains a threat that we need to mitigate for our farmers.”

APG was first introduced to the pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches in 2013, and it was immediately identified as a serious threat to pulse production. This discovery was a catalyst to research efforts aimed at managing this and other root diseases.

Over the last 10 years, APG has invested $3.7 million in projects relevant to root rots, including more than $2 million for projects directly aimed at root rots. Significant effort has been made to understand the disease, correctly diagnose it and address the intricacies of the complex interaction between plant, pathogen and environment. Research has resulted in farmers having the knowledge to better assess the risk, but there haven’t been any significant breakthroughs for farmers who want to plant pulses for the crop’s economic and sustainability benefits.

The $3 million APG is committing over the next five years has the potential to be amplified by matching from other funding sources.

“A commitment of this magnitude signals to researchers and other funders that this is an area where they should focus more time and resources to reduce the risk of root rot,” Strydhorst explained. “If scientists have ideas for potential projects, please talk to us. We want to hear your ideas on how to reduce the risk for Alberta pulse farmers.”

APG also partnered with Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers in a Pulse Root Rot Network. This provides more commitment to collaborative screening of projects and conjoining efforts to propel progress towards eradicating this disease. Watch for more on this soon.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission has confirmed that 25.9% of eligible producers’ 2022 check-off payment is eligible for the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit for their investment in APG-funded research and development projects.

Producers who have paid check-off this past year and have not asked for refunds are eligible claimants for this year’s credits.

For more detailed information about the SR&ED Tax Credit, APG advises you to contact an accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency.  For a history of SR&ED with Alberta Pulse Growers visit https://albertapulse.com/growing-pulses/sred-tax-credit/ . A summary of APG research investments in 2021-22 is available at https://albertapulse.com/research/.

The federal SR&ED tax program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and encourages businesses to invest in and perform research and development in Canada.

The SR&ED Tax Credit application forms for individual producers and Canadian controlled private corporations can be downloaded directly from the CRA website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/claim-sred-tax-incentive-how-claim.html .

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The new Chair of the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) is keen to work with the new and experienced members of the Board of Directors to achieve the vision of pulses on every farm, on every plate.

Shane Strydhorst of Neerlandia was elected to the role of Chair following last week’s annual general meeting. He took over the position from Smoky Lake’s Robert Semeniuk, who becomes Past-Chair.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the great work this board has started under Robert’s leadership to maximize opportunities for Alberta’s pulse farmers,” Strydhorst said. “The addition of two new directors will bring fresh perspectives as we continue promoting and building upon economic benefits of growing peas, beans, faba beans, lentils, chickpeas and soybeans, as well as the sustainability of our industry. I expect to share news about more successes very soon.”

Strydhorst grows peas, faba beans and other crops alongside his wife Sheri. He will lead an Executive Committee that includes new Vice-Chair Peter Konstapel of Spirit River (Zone 4) and Semeniuk (Zone 5).

Peter Hoff of Gleichen and Scott Keller of New Norway joined the board following the AGM as Directors for Zone 2 and Zone 5 respectively.

APG’s 12-member board also includes Directors Greg Stamp of Enchant and Will Muller of Bow Island in Zone 1, Kevin Auch of Carmangay in Zone 2, Chris Allam of Ardrossan in Zone 3, Jerome Isaac of Crooked Creek in Zone 4, Director-at-Large (Bean) John Kolk of Picture Butte and Director-at-Large (Non-Bean) Beverley Wieben of Fairview.

Outgoing Directors Allison Ammeter in Zone 2 and Don Shepert in Zone 5 were thanked for their dedication and many years of service at the annual general meeting. Semeniuk was also recognized for his service in the role of chair for the past two years.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Click here to view APG’s zone map by county.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) selected Gordon Bacon, who continues to promote Canadian pulses internationally, as the winner of the ninth annual Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator Award.

“Each year, APG recognizes a person or organization whose progressive thinking and tireless efforts helped build Alberta’s pulse industry into the flourishing sector that it is today,” said APG Chair Robert Semeniuk. “Gordon Bacon has had a positive influence on pulse promotion and marketing across Canada and around the world for more than 20 years.”

Bacon served as the Pulse Canada’s CEO from 1997 to 2021. He was also the CEO of the Canadian Special Crops Association. He was instrumental in the United Nations declaration of 2016 as International Year of Pulses and the designation of the annual World Pulses Day in February. He was also responsible for Pulse Canada’s commitment to the 25 by 2025 target that aims to create demand in new use categories for 25% of the Canadian pulse industry’s productive capacity by 2025, and other strategies to increase demand for Canadian pulses and pulse ingredients.

Bacon has been active on the Global Pulse Confederation Executive where he now chairs the Global Food Systems Committee and was asked to speak at the 2021 Food System Summit meeting in Rome.

With a long career in market development in the wheat and pulse industries, his work also included time as Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and with the Research Branch of Agriculture Canada. His career started in 1981 as the District Agriculturalist for Alberta Agriculture in Rimbey.

In 2012, Bacon was presented with the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2021, the Canadian Western Agribition recognized him as one of the 50 most influential people in Canadian agriculture. In 2021, he was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame and, earlier this month, Bacon received the Pulse Promoter Award from the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

“I feel very honoured to be selected to receive this year’s recognition as Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator,” Bacon said. “Not only did I start my professional career in Alberta, but over the last two decades I worked with many of the previous award recipients.”

Bacon added that he believes Alberta will continue to build a strong pulse sector by serving the needs of area farmers and by ensuring there is a vision that accounts for the continuing changes in consumer demands.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

Pulse producers who want to grow the province’s pulse industry while developing their own leadership skills are invited to let their names stand for election as an Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) Advisor at their zone meeting this fall.

“I strongly encourage any interested pulse farmers to join the APG team,” said APG Chair Robert Semeniuk. “I joined the organization as an Advisor like most APG Directors. Becoming an Advisor is a great way to get involved with APG. Each of our five zones has available positions and it’s a good introduction to the organization, working on committees, and making things happen for Alberta pulse farmers.”

A team of Advisors leads extension activities specific to each of APG’s five zones. Directors on APG’s provincial board often serve as Advisors first.

Available positions are presented below, along with this fall’s meeting dates. There will be a province-wide APG production livestream on December 5 as well. Please register in advance for all events via albertapulse.com/event/

Producers must have sold pulses and paid service charges since August 1, 2020 in order to be eligible as an Advisor. Anyone interested in letting their name stand for an Advisor position is asked to complete and submit a Nomination Form by Nov. 9, 2022. Each candidate must be endorsed by another pulse producer from their zone. The form and zone map are available on the homepage at www.albertapulse.com .

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,500 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com