2016 is International Year of Pulses

Winnipeg – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has named 2016 the International Year of Pulses.

Pulses – dry beans, dry peas, lentils and chickpeas – play an integral role in global food security, nutrition, human health and environmental sustainability, Pulse Canada said in a news release. Pulse Canada is the national association representing growers, traders and processors of Canadian pulse crops (peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas).

Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of dry peas and lentils, shipping to more than 150 countries around the world each year, the association said. In 2014, Canadian pulse exports were valued at over $3 billion CDN. Canada’s biggest export markets are India, China and Turkey. Pulses are Canada’s fifth largest crop, after wheat, canola, corn and barley.  

“Canadian pulses can make a significant contribution toward helping the UN implement its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to eliminate global poverty and malnourishment,” said Lee Moats, a lentil grower from Riceton, Sask., and chair of Pulse Canada. “IYP highlights the role of pulses in addressing issues related to over and under nutrition in both developed and developing countries.”

Pulse Canada and its international counterpart, the Global Pulse Confederation, are working with partners including international governments, the UN and scientists to host over 100 events around the globe in 2016. Canada’s pulse industry is also planning events and activities across the country that will educate Canadians about the health, nutrition and environmental benefits of eating pulses.

“Canadians can be proud of the contribution we’re making to global food security as a major supplier to countries around the world,” said Gordon Bacon, chief executive officer of Pulse Canada and a member of the Global Pulse Confederation’s Executive Committee.

More information about pulses can be found at www.pulses.org.