General News
10 November, 2024
Plant protein investment hopes to unlock key to the market
There is huge demand but Australia's industry is yet to kick on.
Finding a way to optimise the opportunities for the Australian pulse sector in the growing human plant protein market is the catalysts for a new $13.6 million dollar national project spearheaded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the Victorian government.
The project, announced in late-October, will look to capitalise on growing demand both domestically and internationally for plant protein.
A number of pulses grown in Australia, such as faba beans, lupins, field peas and lentils have some potential in the plant protein space, however further research is required to learn more about the market wants and what species are best suited.
The four year project, to be based at Ag Vic's Horsham SmartFarm, will look at a range of research pathways to help find the proteins consumers are looking for.
Of the $13.6 million, $8.8 million is from the GRDC, $2.4m from the Victorian government and $2.4m from industry collaborators.
It has won support from industry figures.
Monash University's Sushil Dhital, whose research focuses on enhancing plant-based foods by studying how plant carbohydrates interact with proteins and fibres to improve texture, digestibility, and nutrient availability, said it was good news.
"The GRDC's support for pulse development is commendable, especially as the plant-protein market is projected to grow significantly," Associate Professor Dhital said.
He said the project would allow Australia's industry to focus on newer modes of protein extraction.
"Advances in protein extraction are shifting toward dry fractionation, with two plants now operational in Australia, enhancing protein recovery and functionality."
However, he cautioned there would need to be breeding specific to the protein sector to help address palatability issues.
"Pulses are primarily grown in Australia for other purposes, leading to a lack of focus on sensory attributes like flavour and phenolic profiles," he said.
"The 'beany' flavour and off-tastes from phenolic and fatty acid interactions are challenges that need addressing."
Ass Prof Dhital said longer term structural issues needed to be addressed, given the difficulties faced by Australia's first protein extraction business Australian Plant Proteins, which was placed in administration earlier in the year.
"The government should emphasise sustainable protein processing, especially given the financial struggles of Australian Plant Proteins," Ass Prof Dhital said.
"Without creating value for by-products like starch and fibre, and improving factors such as flavour and protein quality, the potential of Australian pulses as plant protein sources cannot be fully realised."
While the project will be based in Victoria, it will be run nationally, with a whole-of-value-chain participation, involving 13 subcontractors, food and ingredient manufacturers and processors, as well as an international partner.
GRDC chair and South Australian grain grower Sharon Starick said GRDC was proud to support this critical pulse protein research.
"This national project seeks to maintain Australia's competitiveness and capitalise on emerging growth opportunities," Ms Starick said.
Australia's pulse production is expected to be above 3 million tonnes this year, with average exports of around 2.5m tonnes, making it one of the world's largest exporters of pulses.
Over 90pc of the pulses exported are sent as whole, unprocessed grain, meaning value-adding by processing could create premiums for growers.
Growers are keen to get more pulses into their crop rotations where possible.
Pulse crops are seen as a valuable contributor to more sustainable and profitable farming systems by improving environmental and human health outcomes, especially with their nitrogen fixing ability in soils.
Industry participants at the recent Wimmera Pulse Field Day, held last week at Rupanyup, were also enthusiastic about the project, saying it could help unlock a valuable new market for Australian pulse producers.