Global Pulse Confederation Highlights Growing Demand and Opportunity for Pulse Crops

Global pulse industry leaders gathered this week in Orlando for Pulses 26, an international event hosted by the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) that brings together growers, exporters, processors, logistics companies, retailers, and buyers from around the world.

Vijay Iyengar, president of the Global Pulse Confederation, says the organization plays a key role in connecting every part of the pulse value chain.

“GPC has been around since 1962,” Iyengar said. “It represents all the aspects of the pulse business—growers, producers, consumers, logistics providers, retailers—the whole works.”

The conference rotates globally each year and continues drawing strong international participation.

“We bring together more than 500 serious players in the pulse world from across the world, covering more than 40 to 50 different countries,” Iyengar explained.

This year’s event in Orlando includes U.S. farmers, Canadian and South American producers, exporters, and global food industry leaders all focused on expanding pulse consumption and trade opportunities.

Iyengar says one of GPC’s most important roles is helping growers better understand global markets and industry trends.

“Pulse growers need to know more about pulses,” he said. “They need to know where the markets are, what the price patterns are, and what conditions affect pulses—and this is something GPC tends to disseminate.”

He says pulses continue gaining momentum worldwide because they check multiple boxes for consumers and agriculture alike.

“This is an affordable source of protein. It’s sustainable. It consumes less water in its growth, and it gives nitrogen to the soil,” Iyengar said. “Pulses tick all the key boxes of equity, sustainability, and nutrition.”

Iyengar also noted the growing recognition of pulses as an important source of dietary fiber and nutrition.

“Lately, pulses have shown up to be a tremendous source of fiber in a world where gut health is really important,” he said.

With fertilizer prices remaining elevated globally, Iyengar believes pulse acreage could continue expanding because of the crops’ agronomic benefits.

“With high fertilizer prices, I think farmers around the world will look at planting more pulses,” he said. “Which is going to be great for the industry.”

Iyengar encouraged producers to continue promoting pulse crops and engaging with expanding global markets.

“They should grow more pulses. They should understand the markets of pulses. They should be out there talking more about pulses,” he said.

He added that growers remain at the center of the entire pulse industry.

“At the end of it, the farmer is at the heart of our business,” Iyengar said.

For more information, visit www.globalpulses.com.

Source: Ag Information Network/Western Ag Network