Phyto Organix Foods Inc. will purchase 15 acres of land in the Town of Strathmore, AB, as the location of its new, state-of-the-art, net-zero-emission plant protein processing facility.
The $225 million facility will be the largest-ever capital investment in Strathmore and provide a base for Phyto Organix to innovate and grow its plant protein business.
Yellow pea processing
When operational in 2024, Phyto Organix will use proprietary wet fractionation technology to annually process 40,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas, grown in close proximity to the facility, into soluble and insoluble protein isolates, processed fiber and starch, and high-quality dietary pea hull fiber.
"This is an exciting time to be an Albertan," said Chris Theal, founder, president and CEO of Phyto Organix.
Construction details
Phyto Organix has engaged with technology, construction and engineering leaders in designing its state-of-the-art facility.
The company will employ proprietary, integrated processing technology from SiccaDania A/S and has engaged Bird Construction and GHD Engineering to lead the design and construction of the facility and 3D connectivity to the processing equipment. SiccaDania is a Denmark-based, global leader in protein extraction technologies.
Phyto Organix's 100,000 square-foot facility will be the first net zero plant protein processing facility in North America.
- Situating it in the yellow pea heartland of Alberta, with annual crop production of over five times the facility's processing capacity grown within 75 kilometers of the facility, minimizing emissions from transporting peas supplied by local farmers
- Employing industry leading water recycle/reuse technology, allowing the facility to recycle 75% of its process water
- Industry leading heat integration reducing overall energy consumption and emissions
- Powering the facility with low emission energy sources
"Our $225 million investment will generate over $120 million of annual GDP, employ 80 Albertans and yield tangible economic diversification in the Town of Strathmore and the Province of Alberta," said Theal.
"Our team has designed a net zero facility to produce food products that embody our core values of health, wellness and sustainability. We are energized to lead the plant protein industry in Alberta."
Demand for pea protein continues growth
As part of the new facility, Phyto Organix received $1 million over two years, cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to support engineering costs and the purchase of equipment.
"Alberta's food processing sector is a key driver of our economy, and consumer demand for Canada's responsibly produced plant-based protein is rising worldwide," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
"This investment in Phyto Organix's new, net-zero facility supports local growers, protects the environment and increases our capacity to meet global demand for our high-quality, sustainable food."
Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development, said plant-based protein is an emerging sub-sector with significant potential for growth and diversification of the agri-processing industry in Alberta.
"With demand for high-quality plant-based products increasing dramatically in recent years, Alberta's government is pleased to support companies like Phyto Organix that will work with local producers, create jobs, and help grow Alberta's economy," said Horner.
