New Investment to Strengthen Canada’s Specialty Soybean Market and Boost Plant-Based Innovation

Saskatoon, SK – Canadian farmers are at the forefront of a new $4.3 million initiative that will boost the competitiveness of Canada’s agriculture and food sector, at home and abroad. Led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd., with support by Protein Industries Canada, the project will strengthen Canada’s identity-preserved (IP) non-GMO soybean market and accelerate innovation in plant-based food production. The investment will create new opportunities for farmers, while supporting domestic processing and expanding access to high-value international markets.

“With the support of Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s five global innovation clusters, this project will expand soybean production across our country, helping to not only create new economic opportunities and a competitive edge for Canadian farmers and producers but also meet the increasing global demand for quality plant-based products,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “This is Canadian innovation meeting its purpose at home and on the global stage.”

The specialty soybean market is growing, particularly in regions like Asia, where they are used in products such as soya milk and tofu. Over the past several years, Canadian farmers have faced increasing challenges in maintaining their share of this premium export market. With fewer commercial investments in non-GMO varieties, farmers have fewer seed options, especially outside traditional growing zones.

This investment is designed to change that.

“Canadian farmers have a proud history of producing high-quality, identity-preserved soybeans that meet the most demanding international food standards,” CEO of Protein Industries Canada Robert Hunter said. “This investment gives our farmers the tools they need to stay competitive in the global market, while also creating new economic opportunities here at home, for both farmers and food processors.”

Through this project, a new breeding program will be launched to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario. These new varieties will be specifically bred for improved yield, resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), and better adaptation to a range of environmental conditions, helping producers reduce the yield gap between GMO and non-GMO crops.

“This investment represents a turning point for Canada’s non-GMO soybean sector. By combining advanced genomics with farmer-driven breeding goals, we’re creating varieties that meet global demand for food-grade soy while enabling more farmers, from southern Ontario to northern Manitoba, to compete in high-value markets,” General Manager of NRGene Canada Masood Risvi said. “At NRGene Canada, we’re proud to bring our genomics expertise to a project that strengthens Canadian agriculture and delivers real innovation to the plant-based food supply chain.”

For farmers, this means greater choice, improved returns, and the ability to access a premium market with more confidence. For the sector, it means the potential to expand acres and rebuild Canada’s competitive edge in food-grade soybeans.

“I’m thankful to be a part of this visionary project funded by Protein Industries Canada and supported by our consortium partners, each bringing valuable expertise and insight to the table,” Pete Giesbrecht from Pulse Genetics said. “Our goal of developing innovative, regionally adapted food-grade soy varieties with unique quality traits for both domestic and export markets will create value and expanded opportunity for Canadian farmers.”

“Hensall Co-op is proud to join this consortium advancing high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties for northern growing regions,” General Manager, Food Products and Strategic Business Development, Hensall Co-op Brad Grabham said. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to innovation and agronomic excellence, while helping us meet the strict quality and functional standards of our global soy food and beverage partners. As a leading exporter of identity-preserved soybeans, we’re focused on connecting Canadian growers with markets that demand high-quality, traceable, and sustainably grown products.”

But the project doesn’t stop in the field. A second phase will see the development of a novel, soy-based plant protein product for Canadian and global consumers. This will be the first single-ingredient plant-based protein of its kind. This innovation uses extruded whole non-GMO soybeans to create high-protein meat-like shreds that retain the bean’s full complement of nutrients. Designed to serve as a mainstream protein such as tofu, chicken, pork, or steak, the product brings versatility, nutrition, and sustainability to the growing plant-based food market.

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this innovative and forward-thinking consortium, and deeply grateful to Protein Industries Canada and the Government of Canada for their support,” CEO of Yumasoy Foods Ltd. Gina Arsens said. “This investment is a game changer—not just for Yumasoy, but for consumers seeking clean-label, high-protein foods, and for the future of food innovation in Canada. It allows us to scale a uniquely Canadian product that transforms whole soybeans into a versatile, meat-like protein—opening new doors for business growth, sustainability, and more food choices at home and around the world.”

This project is one of many under Protein Industries Canada’s broader effort to support domestic innovation and drive forward The Road to $25 Billion—a national vision to grow Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredient sector into a $25 billion industry and make Canada the leading provider of plant-based ingredients. Protein Industries Canada invested $1.9 million into this project, with the industry partners investing $2.4 million.

Hensall Co-op is happy to announce that our 6th annual Photo Contest is now open for submissions. We encourage customers, members, and employees to enter!

Prizes:

• First Place: Hensall Co-op 55L Chilly Moose cooler ($700 value)

• Category Winner: $150 in each category

• Category Runner-Up: $100 in each category

Categories:

• Farm Life

• Farm Innovation

• Farming Views

• Youth in Agriculture

• Where Weather Grows

• Crops in Progress

Eligibility:

• All entries must be images taken in Canada
• Entrants must own the rights to the image(s) they submit
• The contest is open to all members, customers and employees of Hensall Co-op

Entry Form

Contest Rules

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025.

Please send any questions to [email protected].

Hensall Co-op is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2025 Bright Futures Scholarship. The purpose of the Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship is to provide post-secondary scholarships to students who have shown a career interest in agriculture or a field or trade that will advance rural communities and economies.

Three scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded to students who are children or grandchildren of individuals who, as of March 1, 2025, were:

• A member of Hensall Co-op
• An employee of Hensall Co-op
• An individual with a controlling interest in an entity that was a member of Hensall Co-op

Full details and application are available here:

Application Form

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must complete an application and submit it to Hensall Co-op ([email protected]) by August 1, 2025.

Do you know a not-for-profit community-based initiative you think would benefit from a $10,000 grant from Hensall Co-op? We are introducing another year of our Strong Communities Initiative and are calling for applications for our 2025 program.

The key criteria are as follows:

• Application must be received from Canadian Community-based not for profit organizations in the Hensall Co-op trading area that support the broader rural community
• Funding of a project that will have a long term impact on the community (i.e., not for normal operations)
• Project has a clear and measurable benefit to the rural community
• The project fills a strong need in the rural community; not for the benefit of a single individual
• The organization has demonstrated that they can sustain the initiative to the end of the project
• Priority will be given to organizations that have not received a large scale sponsorship/donation from Hensall Co-op in the past 5 years
• Our employees have identified that Community Health and Healthy living are important to them, therefore, we will give priority to projects in the area of Health and Healthy living
• The organization must also be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a charity, have a bank account in its own name and have been operating for over 12 months

More details related to eligibility criteria are outlined in the application form which is available here:

Strong Communities Application

 The deadline for applications is May 31, 2025.

This week’s update highlights Brazil’s soybean harvest progress and weather, Argentina’s weather outlook, unshipped U.S. exports, and the long-term analysis of December corn and November soybean futures.

Watch Videos Here:

• Corn
• Soybeans

This week’s update covers a preview of Friday’s USDA Supply and Demand report, including a look at the historic price volatility this report has driven in the past. We also cover the latest on U.S. harvest progress and weather trends, updates on Brazil’s planting progress, U.S. export trends, and a review of December corn and November soybean futures.

Watch videos here:

• Corn
• Soybeans

Speaking with Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op: “I am thrilled to congratulate this year's Bright Futures Scholarship winners and am inspired by the number of talented students who applied. This overwhelming interest shows just how vital education is in our rural communities, and Hensall Co-op is eager to support the next generation of leaders.” Hensall Co-op is Proud to be Farmer Owned and proud to support education.

Marisa Huberts (Moorefield, ON) will be attending the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. As a future Agronomist, Marisa intends to apply her knowledge “directly to support Canadian farmers and the agricultural community.”

Attending Olds College for an Agriculture Management Diploma is Abby Pepper (Merlin, ON). With her education, Abby will equip herself with the “knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges faced by farmers and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.”

The third recipient is Lauren Hoonaard (South Huron, ON) who is attending the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Commerce, with a focus on Food and Agriculture Business. Lauren is “excited to work in agriculture to help farmers grow high-yielding crops to help feed the ever-growing population.” She was a previous Hensall Co-op summer intern, which is another program aimed at supporting education in the agricultural industry.

Due to the unprecedented number of applications submitted, two additional grants were awarded this year. Matthew Peters will be attending Fanshawe College and will support his "rural community and Canadian agriculture by acquiring a diploma in cyber security and helping farmers and agri-businesses protect their data against cyber security threats.”

Additionally, David Webster (London, ON) is attending the Ontario Veterinary College to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. David plans to “work closely with farmers and livestock producers to improve animal health, increase productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.”

The Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship provides post-secondary scholarships to students who have shown a career interest in agriculture or a field or trade that will advance rural communities. Up to three $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students who are children or grandchildren of individuals who were a member of Hensall Co-op or an employee, as of March 1 of the year of application.

Hensall Co-op and its employees are thrilled to announce the recipients of the fourth annual Hensall Co-op Strong Communities Initiative, a program dedicated to supporting initiatives that make a positive impact on rural communities. This year, two exceptional organizations have been chosen to receive grants totalling $20,000, with an additional $12,500 being split between 5 other well-deserving organizations.

The Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation, located in Palmerston, ON, has been selected as one of the grant recipients. They will receive $10,000 in funding to aid in purchasing an MRI machine. This initiative will bring much-needed high-quality healthcare services to the residents of Palmerston and the surrounding communities, ensuring they have access to healthcare of the highest standard.

Additionally, the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation located in Clinton, ON, has been granted $10,000 to purchase an ophthalmic chair. This piece of equipment will allow rural residents to receive care in their community following cataract surgery without having to travel long distances.

Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op, expressed his enthusiasm for these grants: “We received many applications showcasing the needs of rural communities. Hensall Co-op is honoured to support organizations that are essential to our communities."

With the strong need in rural communities, Hensall Co-op has also awarded each of the following organizations a $2,500 grant:

• Corbett Community Centre – Enhancement Project (Parkhill, ON)
• Brookside Public School – Playground Enhancement Project (Lucknow, ON)
• Wingham & District Hospital Foundation – CT Scanner (Wingham, ON)
• Portage Junk Yard Dogs Inc. – Hiking, Tobogganing, and Biking Park (Portage la Prairie, MB)
• Hanover Parks – Community Splash Pad Development (Hanover, ON)

The Hensall Co-op Strong Communities Initiative seeks to provide one-time grants to projects that address critical needs within communities, with a particular focus on initiatives aligned with Community Health and Healthy Living. Grants of $10,000 are awarded to projects completed by not-for-profit entities that are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as charities and have been in operation for over 12 months.

Hensall Co-op remains committed to strengthening rural communities across Canada and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of these grants on all communities awarded.

Hensall Co-op is happy to announce that our 5th annual Photo Contest is now open for submissions. We encourage customers, members, and employees to enter!

Prizes:

• First Place: Custom Hensall Co-op TailGaterz Cooler (70 Quart with wheels, $620 value)

• Runner Up: $150 in each category

Categories:

• Farm Life
• Fun on the Farm
• Farm Innovation
• Friends and Faces on the Farm
• We Grow Together (Hensall Co-op theme)
• Hensall Co-op on the Move

Eligibility:

• All entries must be images taken in Canada
• Entrants must own the rights to the image(s) they submit
• The contest is open to all members, customers and employees of Hensall Co-op

Entry Form

Contest Rules

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024.

Please send any questions to [email protected].

Hensall, ON, Canada, November 15, 2023 - Hensall Co-op, a farmer-owned and fully independent agricultural co-operative, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Minn-Dak Growers Ltd. (Minn-Dak). This strategic move brings together two prominent entities in the North American specialty crop market. 

For over five decades, Minn-Dak has been a pioneer in processing and marketing specialty crops from the Upper Great Plains—the region comprising Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota—and beyond. Operating from well-established facilities in Grand Forks, ND; Donaldson, MN; and Dickinson, ND, Minn-Dak supplies high-quality mustard and buckwheat ingredients to the global food industry. Their distinctive, tailor-made processes and integrated research and development approach have led to the creation of unparalleled products. 

Jeremy Peterson, Vice President of Minn-Dak, reflected on the company's legacy, stating, "Harris Peterson, my grandfather, founded Minn-Dak with a vision to cultivate a market for local farmers. The acquisition by Hensall Co-op aligns seamlessly with our commitment to creating value-added opportunities for specialty crop farmers, ensuring the continuation of his vision." 

This acquisition promises a smooth transition for Minn-Dak's growers and customers. Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, "We eagerly anticipate partnering with the Minn-Dak team, combining our expertise to provide growers with an expanded portfolio of value-added crop opportunities. Minn-Dak's research focus aligns seamlessly with our strategy to enter new markets with customized products, fostering growth in existing markets and broadening Hensall Co-op’s global footprint.” 

For further information about Hensall Co-op and the acquisition of Minn-Dak Growers Ltd., kindly visit our website at www.hensallco-op.ca or contact us at 519-262-3511 ext. 243.