Protein Industries Canada, in collaboration with several partners, is launching a new initiative to increase the domestic processing of Canadian soybeans by establishing a pilot-scale soy powder facility in Ontario. The project aims to add value to Canada's soybean crops, which are currently primarily exported for processing abroad. By bringing processing operations to Canada, the initiative seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian soy products on a global scale, with Japan being identified as a key export market for the new soy powder.

The project will involve testing small batches of the new soymilk powder in products for Canadian grocery stores, with plans to eventually scale up production for potential commercialization in Japan. With a total investment of $23.9 million, Protein Industries Canada is contributing $6.7 million towards the project, which is seen as a way to preempt a potential global shortage of plant-based protein while elevating the value of Canadian-grown soybeans through domestic manufacturing.