About SPG | Saskatchewan Pulse Growers

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers overview

Led by a producer-elected board of directors comprised of seven pulse growers, SPG represents more than 18,000 pulse crop producers in Saskatchewan. With a legislated mandate to build a prosperous pulse industry in Saskatchewan, SPG is funded by a mandatory check-off program, which funds research, market development, innovation and sustainability.

See SPG's business plan (download/view as PDF)

SPG's foundation

Originally the Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Growers Association (SPCGA), the organization was established in 1976 as a means for farmers to learn about the developing pulse crop industry. Aiming to support and strengthen Saskatchewan's pulse industry on a broad level, SPG laid out the following goals:

To hold an annual conference to inform growers about research and market development, and to provide a forum to discuss related issues
To provide members with reliable and valuable information on producing, storing, packaging, processing, transporting, marketing and utilizing pulse crops
To expand markets, improve trade relationships and promote consumption of Saskatchewan-grown pulse crops
To demonstrate the best production and merchandizing practices
To share valuable and relevant research findings
To cooperate with other agricultural groups in the promotion of the welfare of pulse crop producers
To work closely with brokers to determine a fair price for pulse crops

Check-off history

The SPCGA was originally funded by personal donations from its members, which limited the organization's capacity and scope. Under the example of the Washington and Idaho Pea and Lentil Commission, SPG decided to form a Board of Directors and to establish a check-off of their own, under the Provincial Natural Products Marketing Act. In 1982, pulse growers in Saskatchewan voted in favour of a compulsory check-off on all commercial sales of pulse crops in the province, leading to the establishment of the Pulse Crop Development Board (PCBD) in 1984. The PCBD's mandate was to support the development of the Saskatchewan pulse crop industry.

SPG's founding directors

Earle Peters, President (Laird)
Don Tait, Vice-President (Elrose)
John Buchan, Secretary Treasurer (SDA ex officio)
Ron Gaudet (Bellevue)
Barry Braun (Paynton)
Larry Murray (Outlook)
Al Hurd (Melfort)
Al Slinkard (Crop Development Centre ex officio)
Neal Holt (Agriculture Canada ex officio)

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers programs

Research and Development
Since the organization's inception, research investments have consistently been SPG's largest expenditure. We provide funding and leadership for ongoing research, including:

disease management and resistance
genetic improvement
agronomy
weed control
new uses
quality assessment

Variety Release Program
SPG provides access to new pulse varieties developed through the CDC Pulse Breeding program, by offering breeder seed without royalties to select-status seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Market Development
Our market development efforts focus on developing international and domestic market opportunities for pulses in human diets and livestock rations.

SPG works closely with Pulse Canada, a national organization that supports the marketing of peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans.

Communications
The primary goal of our communications program is to keep pulse growers in the province informed about the industry and well-prepared to compete globally. Some of our communications initiatives include:

PulsePoint magazine
Pulse Market Report
SPG annual reports
Pulse Days annual conferences
Regional meetings and field days

Policy
SPG cooperates with other organizations to provide leadership on policy-related issues affecting the pulse industry.