Winnipeg, MB — November 19, 2024 — A University of Manitoba researcher has developed a sustainable method for extracting high-quality oils and producing a solvent-free canola meal — free of residual oil — ideal for use in the plant-based protein industry.

The game-changing work has earned Dr. Nazanin Vafaei a Mitacs Innovation Award — Outstanding Innovation, presented by Mitacs, a Canadian innovation leader. Mitacs connects businesses and researchers to drive competitiveness and productivity in sectors such  as agriculture, energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and Indigenous economic development. The award will be presented at a ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on November 19.

Dr. Vafaei — a University of Manitoba postdoctoral researcher at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research under the supervision of Professor Martin Scanlon — is being recognized for her innovative work to develop advanced methods for extracting high-quality oils from plant-based sources that don’t require solvents and work at low temperatures, helping to preserve the functional and nutritional value of the oil extracted. Her approach is unique because she’s applying techniques that up until now have only been used for producing essential oils or decaffeinated coffees in North America.

The new techniques, developed in partnership with the Canola Council of Canada with the support of Mitacs, produce sustainable cooking oils and high-protein meals. They also result in a 99.9% oil yield, leaving a dry, high-quality plant protein behind that is an excellent source for meat alternatives and other emerging plant-based foods.

“Mitacs made it possible for me to attend one of the largest conferences in the food processing industry, where I gathered extensive knowledge,” said Dr. Vafaei, expressing excitement for the support received over the years and now, the recognition with the award. “None of this could have happened without Mitacs. I’m extremely happy and proud to be doing this work.”

Dr. Vafaei has also developed an eco-friendly, healthier alternative to palm oil — a food product that is found in nearly one out of every two packaged food products — by developing more sustainable methods for producing the hard fat from plant-based sources such as soybeans and canola seeds. These fats are designed to serve as healthier alternatives to palm oil in shortenings, margarines, and other food applications.

“Our goal is to expand this ‘green’ method for any type of oil seed, providing pure and nutritious oils and meal proteins to the food processing industry, and using it in the production of hard fat as low-calorie substitutes in many applications,” said Dr. Vafaei, explaining that although palm oil is considered a slightly healthier alternative to trans fats, it is still high in saturated fat, meaning it can raise bad cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

“By removing the need for solvents, we’re also using less energy,” she added, pointing to the high environmental impact of solvents, including storage and disposal.

Dr. Vafaei credits her mother for inspiring her research path through teachings about the necessity of protecting the environment. Moving forward, she is making it her mission to scale sustainable methods. To do so, she will be part of a larger collaboration that includes researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, University of Guelph and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) in Ontario, and the University of Manitoba.

“When I first learned about the high environmental impact of our food processing industry, including the devastation of our tropical forests to make room for palm plantations, it blew my mind,” she said. “It’s my hope to provide a sustainable, eco-friendly, healthier alternative.”

The Mitacs Innovation Award — Outstanding Innovation recognizes extraordinary talent from across Canada whose Mitacs-funded research has potential to achieve larger societal and economic impacts, driving innovation and broadening our understanding of the world around us. Mitacs programs are supported by funding from the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments across the country.

Dr. Vafaei is one of eight Mitacs Innovation Awards winners nationally, chosen from thousands of researchers who take part in Mitacs programs each year, and one of four winners in the Outstanding Innovation category. Additional 2024 categories, updated with a fresh look to better reflect Canada’s innovation landscape, include: Canadian Start-Up Innovator of the Year, Canadian Enterprise Innovator of the Year, Outstanding Research Leadership and Inclusive Innovator of the Year.

In congratulating the winners, Mitacs’s CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas reflected on the organization's long history and proven track record as a Canadian innovation leader. “Not only do these awards recognize achievements of exceptional innovators across Manitoba and Canada, but they also highlight the infinite potential for impact when creative leaders work together.”

“As Mitacs celebrates 25 years as a leader in Canadian innovation, we reaffirm our belief that partnerships between research, enterprises, and talent — like the ones we honour with the Mitacs Innovation Awards — are key to a successful, prosperous Canada,” Dr. Lucas said.

For more information about the Mitacs Innovation Awards and a full list of winners, visit www.mitacs.ca/newsroom.

Regina, Saskatchewan, November 21, 2024 – After a strong start to the year for large equipment sales, a slowdown is anticipated in the farm equipment market. With falling commodity prices, high operating costs and lower profits, farms are placing a greater emphasis on their price per acre equipment costs according to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) 2025 outlook for the Canadian farm equipment market.

“Farmers are looking for cost saving measures including delaying purchases and planning to further reduce equipment costs,” said Leigh Anderson, FCC senior economist. “But as demand slows and prices adjust, there may be opportunities for producers who are looking to invest in new farm equipment.”

The year began with a surge in demand for large farm equipment, particularly combines and 4WD tractors. New combine sales in the first half of 2024 saw a five-year high, and 4WD tractor sales trailed only slightly behind 2021 sales. A slowdown in sales in the United States allowed manufacturers to send more pre-orders to Canada earlier. Usually, the Canadian combine market sees the most sales in the second half of the year.

This burst of activity is not expected to last through the remainder of the year and into 2025. However, the decline in new farm equipment sales is expected to be less severe than in 2024, and sales of 4WD tractors should stay above the five-year average.

The early arrival of new equipment has led to an increase in trade-ins, injecting a considerable volume of used equipment into the market, particularly used combines. It’s estimated total used combine sales have dropped by 18 per cent compared to the same period last year. Smaller used horsepower tractor sales are down 40 per cent, and sales of used seeding and planting equipment have declined by 23 per cent year over year. Lower sales of used seeding and planting equipment mark a slowdown compared to the previous year.

In the United States, farm equipment manufacturers have reduced production to align with lower demand. In Canada, manufacturing sales have fallen 8.7 per cent compared to last year, and new orders are down 9.2 per cent, suggesting sales will continue to decrease.

“The trends to monitor as we go into 2025 are equipment prices, farm revenue, interest rates and the Canadian dollar,” said Anderson. “Lower interest rates combined with strong revenues in select sectors could make it a great time to invest in new equipment as it’s more affordable per acre. But a lower Canadian dollar could increase imported equipment prices.”

By sharing agriculture economic knowledge and forecasts, FCC provides solid insights and expertise to help those in the business of agriculture and food achieve their goals. For more economic insights and analysis, visit FCC Economics at fcc.ca/Economics

Saskatoon, Sask., Nov. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Protein Industries Canada announced an innovative new project in collaboration with Croptimistic Technology, TheoryMesh and C-Merak Innovations aimed at transforming the agri-food value chain through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This initiative seeks to enhance food production efficiency, improve food quality and support sustainability goals from farm to food processor by improving existing precision agriculture tools to enhance data collection and integration at the sub-field level. This will provide food manufacturers with verified data that complies with regulations and meets consumer expectations for transparency in the food they consume. The data collected will also help farmers and ingredient processors access sustainability incentive premiums and access to alternative markets.

“With this project, Protein Industries Canada is supporting greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “By leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance precision agriculture practices and increase the adoption of technologies in farming, these project partners are increasing sustainability in the agri-food sector and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians.”

Together, Croptimistic Technology, TheoryMesh and C-Merak Innovations will develop and utilize AI-integrated technologies to consistently collect sub-field-level data and management practices from producers. This data will then be used to predict process settings within the mill to generate high yields and less by-product or waste material, while at the same time, supplying ingredient processors and food manufacturers with the information necessary to support sustainability claims on food products.

“This project will provide Canada with a unique selling advantage, helping us to fully understand our environmental impact from the field to the dinner table. Investments like this will help Canada achieve its sustainability goals and establish itself as a global leader in the sector,” said Lisa Campbell, Senior Director of Programs at Protein Industries Canada.

The project will see $5.4 million co-invested into innovative and scalable AI technologies that will enhance the sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of Canada’s agriculture and food production sector. Protein Industries Canada will invest $2.4 million, with the partners investing the remainder.

“We believe that harnessing the use of AI technology is key to improving the quality and value of the precision ag solutions that we provide to the agrifood industry,” said Phillip Harder, Research Director and Hydrological Scientist at Croptimistic Technology. “To see the data we collect being used to its fullest capabilities beyond the farmgate is a nod to the positive direction we’re heading in with integrating AI technologies to increase agricultural sustainability and food production efficiency.”

“Working with extensive primary farm and food processing data in this project will allow us to use our AI models to improve manufacturing yields, reduce loss and create measurable impact on the sustainability of food production,” said TheoryMesh Co-Founder and CEO Chris Bunio.

"Opting for healthy and sustainable foods isn't just about personal taste; it's a crucial investment in our well-being and the planet's future," said Brett Casavant, CEO of C-Merak Innovations. "By selecting foods that both nourish us and support eco-friendly practices, we're taking control of our health while safeguarding the environment for generations to come. However, finding reliable information to guide these choices can be challenging. That's where AI technology comes in, playing a vital role in providing clear and accessible information from farm to final ingredient. At C-Merak, we're thrilled to collaborate with our consortium partners and Protein Industries Canada to develop innovative solutions that promote healthier people and a healthier planet."

Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Protein Industries Canada and our members are working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product sector. Projects such as these add value to, and create new markets for, Canadian crops, generating local jobs and supporting new economic development in locations across Canada. More information can be found at www.theroadto25billion.ca.

TORONTO, Nov. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Nourish Food Marketing, a full-service marketing agency specializing in food, beverage, and agricultural clients, is excited to release its 9th annual Trend Report for 2025. This year's report reveals nine key trends that will shape the industry and consumer behaviour in the coming year, driven by an increased demand for functionality, experiences, and sustainability in food choices.

The 2025 Trend Report outlines the following influential trends:

• A Return to Intuitive Cooking: As consumers shift away from strict recipes, they're embracing a more spontaneous, ingredient-led approach fuelled by social media's celebration of improvisational cooking. This trend empowers consumers to use creativity in the kitchen while exploring new ingredients and methods.
• Supporting the GLP-1 Journey & Life After Ozempic: With a growing focus on weight management journeys, consumers are seeking nutrient-dense foods that support their health and wellness goals. Brands are innovating to provide solutions that meet specific nutritional needs, especially those transitioning off GLP-1 medications.
• H2O 2.0: Enhanced Hydration: As hydration gains popularity as part of the wellness movement, consumers want water that offers more—energy, digestion, skin benefits, and other functions. From added minerals to botanical infusions, this category is seeing a new wave of enriched water products that target various health benefits.
• I Wanna Live Forever: Eating for Longevity: Longevity-focused diets are capturing consumer interest, drawing on Blue Zone-inspired eating patterns and functional ingredients aimed at extending healthspan. Foods and beverages are now being marketed to support long-term wellness beyond just immediate nutritional needs.
• Moving Beyond Taste to Multi-Sensory Eating Experiences: Consumers increasingly seek food that engages all five senses, creating a rich, immersive experience. Brands are innovating to bring multi-sensory elements—sight, smell, texture, and sound—into their products to enhance enjoyment and deepen emotional connections.
• Making Eating at Home a Dine-Out-Level Experience: As consumers look to recreate restaurant-quality experiences at home, they seek products that elevate home dining, whether through premium ingredients, semi-prepared meal kits, or elevated frozen options that bring special occasions to their table.
• Plant-Based Finally Finds Its Groove: Plant-based eating is mainstreaming at last, with improved taste, accessibility, and variety. As consumers shift toward reducing meat intake, plant-based products focus on flavour and versatility to appeal to flexitarians and dedicated plant-based eaters alike.
• The Rise & Reinvention of the C-Store Channel: Convenience stores are evolving from simple grab-and-go stops to mini-grocery destinations offering fresh, quality meal options. This trend reflects consumers' desire for convenience without sacrificing quality, and C-stores are responding with upgraded, healthier offerings.
• Breakthrough Seed Genetics Science to Cope With Climate Change: Advances in seed genetics are setting the stage for resilient agriculture, with crops designed to withstand extreme weather and support food security. These innovations promise to transform agriculture, ensuring crops thrive in a changing climate while meeting consumer demands for sustainable food.

"In 2025, consumers are asking for more from every bite—more functionality, richer experiences, and sustainable choices that align with their values," Nourish President Jo-Ann McArthur commented. "These trends showcase how food and beverage play a growing role in our lives, challenging brands to innovate thoughtfully and meet these elevated expectations."

The 2025 Nourish Trend Report is now available. To read the full report, click here.