The PLANT Act will create jobs and put US farmers at the forefront of global innovation
February 10th marks World Pulses Day, an occasion recognized by the United Nations to honor the nutritional and environmental advantages of pulses globally. These pulses, comprising beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, are not just integral to human health but also serve as pivotal elements in promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security worldwide.
This year’s theme for World Pulses Day, “Nourishing Soils and People,” emphasizes the dual impact of pulses on both human well-being and environmental sustainability. In a world grappling with interconnected challenges like malnutrition, climate change, and biodiversity loss, pulses present a multifaceted solution that addresses these issues concurrently.
“As we celebrate World Pulses Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the power of pulses to build a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Whether it’s incorporating more lentils into our diets or supporting initiatives that promote pulse production, each of us has a role to play in advancing global nutrition and sustainability,” Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg, said.
Recognizing the significant impact of pulses, ProVeg has endorsed the Peas, Legumes, and Nuts Today (PLANT) Act introduced by Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern. This groundbreaking legislation aims to enhance the cultivation, consumption, and recognition of pulses as essential components of a sustainable food system. By ensuring eligibility for USDA assistance, the PLANT Act supports farmers and companies in producing plant-based foods, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural landscape.
“The PLANT Act will help us win the future of food,” said Congressman McGovern. “Plant-based foods are already creating new opportunities for farmers across the country and exciting new options for consumers, and this legislation will be a game-changer. By putting farmers and their communities front and center as we grow the greatest plant-based sector in the world, we can create countless good jobs while showing the world what makes American agriculture so strong. Now is the time to embrace the enormous potential that plant-based foods have to strengthen our economy and our food system.”
“ProVeg urges members of Congress to support the PLANT Act. This bill exemplifies forward-thinking legislation poised to propel sustainable food practices, curtail greenhouse gas emissions, and offer substantial opportunities for American farmers and consumers alike. Pulses play a pivotal role in bolstering food security and economic development, particularly in rural communities. Through pulse cultivation, farmers can diversify their crops, enhance resilience to climate change, and generate income for their families. The PLANT Act will create jobs and put American farmers at the forefront of global innovation,” said de Boo.
More about the PLANT Act
The Bill aims to accomplish the following objectives:
- Enhance USDA incentives for farmers producing plant-based foods like pulses and mushrooms
- Update the USDA’s Market Access Program to boost exports of plant-based foods
- Ensure existing USDA loan programs support the expansion of plant-based food processing facilities
- Strengthen Rural Development initiatives to back plant-based food manufacturing in rural areas
- Establish a new plant-based protein research program to improve key plant protein ingredients
- Expand the Pulse Crop Health Initiative to address critical health and sustainability challenges
- Update the Value-Added Producer Grant program to support domestic supply chains and increase producer income
- Create an Office of Plant-Based Food Options and Innovative Production to offer grants and support to farmers and companies
- Introduce a Plant Protein Innovation Initiative to provide technical assistance and grants for businesses, fostering development and research in the plant-protein sector
More about World Pulses Day
World Pulses Day is an annual observance held on February 10th to celebrate the importance of pulses in nutrition, sustainability, and food security. Pulses, which include beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, are highly nutritious, environmentally friendly, and play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. The day aims to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses, promote their consumption, and highlight their contribution to achieving sustainable development goals, such as ending hunger and promoting environmental sustainability.
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Notes to Editors
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About ProVeg International
ProVeg International is a food awareness organization with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
