AGT Foods has its finger on the pulse of agriculture; or rather the pulse crops of agriculture. AGT is a buyer, processor, and distributor of pulse crops such as lentils, chickpeas, beans and peas, and additionally offer cereal grains, flax, canola, popcorn, millet, mustard seed, and sorghum on a global level.
“Our Minot, ND, facility is a pulse fractionation plant that makes value-added food ingredients. We supply pea protein, fiber, and starch to the pet food and human consumption markets and also make our own pasta in Minot which is called Veggipasta. The pasta has a single ingredient made from 100% peas,” says Ryan Edinger, AGT USA operations Head Grain Buyer. He has been with the company for 14 years and is located in Bismarck, ND.
Pulses have been gaining popularity across North America, Europe, the UK, and Japan as these crops are more readily incorporated into pastas, snack foods, chips, and baked goods. Though other parts of the world, such as India, North Africa, and the Middle East have been relying on these plant proteins for years as their main source of protein. In fact, pulses provide about 10% of the total dietary protein consumed in the world!
But the benefits are not limited to the consumers. Growers can expect healthier soil, lower input costs, and increased profits. Additionally, incorporating pulses in crop rotations benefits the local economy and creates jobs.
“Agronomically, pulse crops fit very well into the rotation as they increase soil available nitrogen, enhance soil microbiology, break disease cycles, and improve overall soil health. Pulses are a very sustainable crop to grow in the rotation. They naturally leave a lower carbon footprint than most foods grown as they require little to no fertilizer, which in turn leads to less input costs for farmers. Strong grower pricing along with lower input costs continue to keep pulses in the rotation among growers in eastern Montana and North Dakota,” Edinger explains.
AGT originated in Regina, SK, Canada in 2007 and actively exports to all geographic regions serving a network of customers in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The company is actively exporting to over 120 countries.
Farmers who are interested in growing pulses and working with AGT Foods USA can contact the company at 1-877-751-1623 for more information or visit their website at http://www.agtfoods.com.
Edinger adds, “When thinking of consuming pulses many consumers think of split pea soup. The transformation on uses of pulse ingredients into pastas and snack foods give consumers a new perspective on trying pulses in your diet. Give AGT Veggipasta a try the next time you serve a pasta dish!”
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