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Welcome to the Alberta Pulse Growers 2018 Research Report Research and Development has long been a strategic priority for the Alberta Pulse Growers (APG). This is because R&D directly addresses the central mandate of APG, which is to help sell more pulses. Today, Alberta's 6,000 pulse growers operate in a complex and interdependent domestic and global market. To achieve the mandate of selling more pulses, we need to do more than simply expand acres or increase yields. While productivity remains a key priority, growth will ultimately depend on advances in processing, health and wellness, product development and other areas. In this report, we present 27 stories that highlight current pulse- related research funded by APG and other partners. All told, APG is currently investing in 39 active or recently completed research projects. Our financial commitment to these projects is $10 million. With support from funding partners factored in, the total value of these research projects is more than $38 million. Agronomy-related and breeding-related research are, and will continue to be, important areas of focus for APG. However, if all we do is increase the acreage of pulse crops in Alberta – plus increase the yield of pulses grown on those acres – the industry will still fall short of what it could become. Over the past year, APG and other funders have continued and initiated funding on research projects in five strategic areas. GROW GENETICS Developing new and better varieties of peas, lentils, dry beans, faba beans and other Alberta pulse crops. GROW YIELD Investigating and solving key agronomic issues identified by growers: disease management, insect management, herbicide use, fertilization and more. GROW SUSTAINABILITY Taking a long-term view to pulse production and addressing issues such as weed populations and crop rotations. GROW UTILIZATION Developing new and better ways to process pulses and pulse fractions so that new products can be created that will increase demand for Alberta-grown pulses. GROW HEALTH Strengthening the connection between pulse consumption and positive health outcomes, thus boosting pulse sales and contributing to a healthier society. As you'll see from the stories, producer-funded research is doing far more than ensuring that Alberta grows more pulses. With significant advances in agronomy, breeding, processing, health, product development and more, we are building a bigger and more successful Alberta pulse industry. INTRODUCTION Pulse Research Report | 2 We're not just growing more pulses. We're building an industry.

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