Pulse crops

In recent years, western and central North Dakota, along with portions of South Dakota and eastern Montana, has experienced rapid growth in the production of pulse crops – peas and lentils. Today this is the leading production region in the U.S. for dry pea and lentil crops. Pulses are high protein, versatile and popular staples in food products and diets in many regions of the world. Peas and lentils are exported worldwide by several MSA member companies. These pulse processing and marketing companies work closely with growers, seed companies and other firms in a well-developed production system.
With more than eight ounces of protein in ¼ cup, pulses provide a major source of protein in developing countries. They serve as a staple in meat-less diets in countries like India, and are popular in Bangladesh, Turkey and other Near East and Middle East countries, in addition to Europe and Asia. Pulses are also a major component of USDA’s PL 480 food aid program because of their nutritional value and ease of use in a variety of food products. New applications, such as pea flour and use in pasta are also opening up new opportunities for expanded domestic and international use of pulses. Peas are also finding growing uses in feed.
More information can be found at the Northern Pulse Growers Association at http://www.northernpulse.com and the U.S. Dry Pea and Lentil Council at http://www.pea-lentil.com/

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