Canadian pea processors identified several key breeding priorities and market needs, raising an important question: how can aligning these priorities strengthen the sector’s competitiveness? In this article, PeaCE researchers explore how plant breeders can help address emerging challenges and support a stable, affordable supply of peas for processing.
Keywords
- Gene-editing
- Plant-based protein
- Pea processing sector
- Plant-based foods
- Plant breeding
Research Highlights
- Global demand for pea-protein doubled between 2010 and 2022, driven by nutritional value and use in plant-based foods
- #1 breeding priority is yield, with protein content, functionality, and taste as key attributes for product development
- Gene-editing is seen as a promising tool for trait improvement, but market acceptance and access remain concerns
- Price is the primary purchasing driver, a key consideration for developing high-protein pea varieties
- Aligning breeding priorities with market needs is essential for strengthening competitiveness of the pea-processing sector
Editorial Reflections
This article offers a clear snapshot of breeding priorities for the pea processing sector to stay competitive. It illustrates the challenges and opportunities shaping pea processing today and points to how strategic, market-aligned breeding can help strengthen the sector’s long term position.
Le PeaCE project aims to improve the resilience of pulse crops, like field peas, which naturally fix nitrogen and have a lower carbon footprint. Using advanced genetic tools, the team is developing peas with greater drought and disease resistance to encourage wider adoption in crop rotations and substantially reduce GHG emissions. Contributing authors from the team include:
- Kim Sanderson – GE3LS Research Officer, PeaCE Project, University of Saskatchewan
- Nik Tyack – GE3LS Research Lead, PeaCE Project, University of Saskatchewan
- Sandro Steinbach – GE3LS Collaborator, PeaCE Project, North Dakota State University
Food for Thought: Read the full article here. While interview respondents recognized the value of gene editing for plant breeding, they also raised concerns about consumer acceptance. Processors felt many consumers may not understand or accept gene editing technologies and, for example, might not distinguish them from genetically modified peas. The article concludes by underscoring how important the “healthy” image of pea is in the food ingredient market and the need to maintain that image. What can we collectively do to address and help with this concern?
References
Sanderson, K., Mishchenko, V., Steinbach, S., & Tyack, N. (2026). Plant breeders have key role to play in enhancing field pea for the plant-based ingredients market. Applied Economics Insights. AAEA Journal: Applied Economics Insights.
