b'proven its ability to shift toward a processing mentality with canola. In a small number of years, Canadian agriculture and agri-food successfully built a fully integrated canola processing sector that generates far better returns than canola would as a raw commodity. Now, the same needs to occur across commodity types.There is a real desire to change. Everyone is starting to recognize that we are at the complete mercy of global markets. Some of those markets do whatever they want without playing by the rules. We want to be part of the global economy, but we dont want to be at the mercy of countries like China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. Theyre not in it for our best interests, says Ammeter.Another challenge, at least for some parts of Alberta, is transportation. While northern Alberta has always struggled with adequate access to rail and truck transportation for agricultural commodities, Dibbelt believes value-added opportunities have grown to the point that the north countrys growing advantages almost offset the transportation challenges. Were not there yet, but within the next few years. Its coming, says Dibbelt. Just one year into operation, PPAA doesnt yet have an assured and consistent stream of funding. That said, Ammeter feels the organization is well supported by government. We do feel, as weve talked to everyone from the [provincial Agriculture and Forestry] Minister down, that they are all cheering us on because they recognize we can make a difference in the value-add space. In terms of verbal support, weve 100 per cent got it. In terms of financial support, ask me in a year or so.Additional funds come from certain industry sponsors, as well as membership fees. The membership fee is kept intentionallyAllison Ammeter is the chair of the Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta andlow to draw a wide and diverse cross section of companies thatPulse Canada.can benefit from networking together. Seed growers should welcome the growing interest in plant proteins with open arms. To date, most breeding has focusedI may be wrong, but it seems to me that if youre growing on improved agronomics (standability, disease resistance, daysa very specific product for a company, youre going to use to harvest, etc.) and more generalized crop attributes (e.g. highcertified seed rather than [farm-saved seed]. Youre not going protein level and high oil content). Plant protein processors,to take a chance that what youre selling a company is not however, may need uniquely specific product characteristics,absolutely [to specifications], she says.which could translate to increased opportunities for seedLikely, the move to speciality, company-specific varieties will growers to grow niche varieties. translate to more closed loop systems. While contract growing I think what will happen more and more is buyers will say,specialized varieties for a single processor is different than This is great, but is it possible for me to get this in this specificgrowing for traditional commodity sale, successful closed loops, protein level? or What I really need is a fibre with theselike Nexerra canola or Viterras bean contracting in southern particular characteristics, or a starch that works in this particularAlberta, are already operating.way,I know I sound a little like the Jetsons, but I dont thinkIts exciting to move toward less of a general commodity Im that far off, says Ammeter.and more meeting of specific needs, says Ammeter. Go look Its a total win, she says, noting the entire value chain hasat Denmark or the Netherlands. They are itty-bitty countries something to gain from Canadaand Albertabecoming ageographically, but everything they produce goes out with plant protein powerhouse.value-add. They are leading the world in agricultural exports, In addition to demand increasing for more specializednot in volume, but in dollars. We could be that country.varieties, the seed industry may also benefit from increased total Madeleine Baergdemand.20seed.ab.ca'