Photo: Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta website
After three years the Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta (PPAA) has shut down after having its provincial funding pulled, the group says in a news release on their website on April 20.
“I’m disappointed that we’re not able to continue our work, there is just so much potential for economic growth in the plant-protein industry” Allison Ammeter, PPAA board chair says in the release. “I am very proud of all that PPAA has accomplished and want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past three years.”
The group explains the government had initially confirmed in early March PPAA would receive funding for another year, however on March 31 they were informed the government had reversed its decision and PPAA wouldn’t receive any further money. By not receiving the funding there was not enough money to sustain operations.
The group did receive some money through membership fees, but those weren’t enough to cover operations, the release says. There have also been sponsorship dollars, but these have been difficult to obtain as a new organization in an emerging sector. The pandemic also hindered the group’s ability to fundraise as they weren’t able to hold events.
Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta Goals
The group’s goal was to raise awareness and create connections to help realize the opportunities the plant protein and plant-ingredient processing industry could offer Alberta, the release says. Since it was incorporated as a not-for-profit in May 2018, PPAA staff and board members have travelled Alberta and globally educating businesses, counties and economic development groups; have connected entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and suppliers to start building the required ecosystem; and raised awareness and created opportunities for entrepreneurs and industry.
“While PPAA is, of course, disappointed to be closing down, we are encouraged by the growth in the industry in the past three years and the numerous opportunities out there. We hope others will pick up our work and continue to collaborate with industry to ensure that Alberta captures its share of the global plant-based protein market,” the release says.
PPAA ended daily operations as of April 20, 2021. As required by the group’s bylaws, PPAA will hold a final members’ meeting in June. An online meeting invitation with more details will be sent to all members, the release notes.
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