Smart Prosperity Institute research finds that collaboration is needed to capture plant-based protein potential

OTTAWA — As the global population grows and consumers look for diverse and affordable protein sources, the demand for plant-based protein (PBP) will reportedly rise. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have a history and reputation for growing PBP crops (pulses, soybeans, and canola) and their contributions to the emerging PBP industry could help that industry add over $25 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) throughout the next decade. The Smart Prosperity Institute says this is a major opportunity to use PBP production to increase value-added agriculture for these provinces, especially their rural communities, to attract investment, as well as to establish high-quality careers in agriculture and agri-food.

A team of researchers at the Smart Prosperity Institute (SPI), in partnership with the Future Skills Centre (FSC), have released their findings in three reports that highlight the main growth challenges facing the agriculture and agri-food sectors in capturing the full potential of the PBP opportunity, including:

• Severe labour shortages from a lack of entry-level workers and large waves of retirements.
• Changes in workers skills needs as farm consolidation increases and new technology emerges and evolves.
• Inadequacy of social infrastructure, including affordable housing, transportation, and childcare options.

“While the challenges are complex, they are solvable with careful planning, thoughtful collaboration, and purposeful action from stakeholder groups. If the solutions identified are implemented, Canada will be well-positioned to be a global leader in the plant-based protein industry,” says Hem Dholakia, Senior Research Associate of the Skills Program at SPI.

From this research comes 13 priority recommendations for governments, industry, and educational institutions to ensure these Prairie provinces, their rural communities, and agriculture and agri-food workers are well-equipped to succeed. Four key ones include:

• The federal government should work with provincial ministries to implement sectoral or region-specific work permits for in-demand industries and communities.
• Provincial governments should improve the ease of immigrating to Canada for potential workers by creating clearer pathways to permanent residency.
• Industry should work with municipal governments to create support programs and design better infrastructure for affordable housing, transportation, and childcare options.
• Educational institutions should expand program options and include flexible delivery methods in certificates, diplomas, and training programs at colleges and other educational institutions to include in-province programs for critically needed skills in the PBP industry.

“Investing in the plant-based protein industry isn’t just about economic growth; it’s about securing the future of our rural communities and the livelihoods of our workers. If governments, industry, and educational institutions can unite to prioritize workforce development and upskilling, we can cultivate a thriving and inclusive plant-based protein industry in the Prairies,” says Pedro Barata, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre.

If industry, all levels of government, and educational institutions can work together to attract, train, retain, and support workers, the Smart Prosperity Institute says the reward could be a $25 billion industry centred in the Prairies, creating jobs and prosperity for generations to come.