Dakota Tipi First Nation took part in the Roquette groundbreaking near Portage la Prairie Sept. 28. Chief David Pashe (r) passes the pipe to Premier Brian Pallister.

Roquette breaks ground on Portage pea-processing plant

A ceremony held last week marked the formal start of the construction phase

Manitoba farmers don’t grow many field peas anymore, but that could change when the world’s biggest pea-processing plant, being built here by French-based Roquette, starts operating in April 2019. Pascal Leroy, Roquette’s vice-president for pea and new protein business line, and Premier Brian Pallister, broke ground Sept. 28 for the $400-million facility, in what had


Dennis Lange, Manitoba Agriculture pulse specialist, gives an update on pea variety trials and new protein measurements during the Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre tour in Carberry Aug. 16.

Pea protein under the microscope ahead of Roquette plant in Portage la Prairie

Roquette will begin contracting for its protein-based plant next year. Meanwhile, researchers are on the hunt for ways to bolster protein content in yellow peas

Pea researchers have a new focus on protein as plans for the world’s largest protein-based pea-processing plant move ahead in Portage la Prairie. The Roquette plant has been big news for Manitoba’s pea industry. In January, the French-based specialty food and pharmaceutical excipient supplier announced $400 million for the plant, expected to employ 150 people

A $400-million pea-processing plant was announced during an event at the Manitoba legislature.

$400-million pea plant announced

Manitoba producers to benefit from the global demand for vegetable protein ingredients

Pea acres in the province could see a growth spurt following the announcement global ingredient and pharmaceutical giant Roquette will build its next processing plant in Manitoba. The $400-million pea-processing plant will be located just outside Portage la Prairie and is expected to employ 150 people once complete. “I expect there will be more pea


Officials from Roquette and the Manitoba government announced plans for the company’s new pea processing plant on Jan. 18 at the provincial Legislative Building. (Shannon VanRaes photo)

Roquette counts on expanding Canadian pea output

Winnipeg | Reuters — France’s Roquette, which is building the world’s largest pea protein plant in Manitoba, is counting on the province’s farmers to boost their production to supply the $400 million factory, the company said Friday. Roquette raised eyebrows this week when it said it would build the plant in Portage la Prairie, Man.,