The former Homestead Organics plant is being redeveloped as the home of Alinova Canada Inc. It is expected to be fully operational as a soy processing facility by 2026. Tinkess Photo
MORRISBURG – A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform Morrisburg, Ontario, into a hub for soy processing innovation, leveraging its position in Eastern Ontario’s agricultural heartland. Protein Industries Canada has announced a collaborative project with Alinova Canada Inc., Marusan Ai Co., Earth’s Own Foods, and Flamaglo Foods to develop and commercialize a new soy powder, unlocking global market opportunities. Processing will take place in the former Homestead Organics plant on Allison Avenue in the community’s east end.
This initiative, led by Alinova Canada Inc. – a joint venture between DJ Hendrick International Inc. (DJHII) and Marusan Ai Co. – marks a significant step toward processing Canadian crops domestically. Building on the success of a previous Protein Industries Canada project, which assessed the feasibility of a commercial soy powder processing plant in Eastern Canada, this venture will establish a pilot-scale facility in Morrisburg. The project promises not only to bolster local agriculture but also to position the region as a key player in the international soy market, particularly in Japan.
David Hendrick, Executive Vice President of Alinova Canada Inc. and founder of Sevita International, emphasized the importance of the project for Eastern Ontario’s agricultural community. “Exporting food-grade non-GMO whole soybeans from Eastern Ontario has been a long-standing tradition with rewards for producers and exporters alike. Now we have a chance to take that pride and reward to the next level – a made-in-Canada ingredient,” Hendrick said.
“We intend to build on our relationships with growers in Eastern Ontario, our soymilk partner in Japan, and the two Canadian soy food formulators joining this initiative, to make this manufacturing company a reality for Morrisburg and a contributor to our community well-being,” he added.
This project’s focus on value-added processing aligns with the region’s reputation for producing high-quality crops. Currently, much of Canada’s soy crop is exported for processing overseas. By bringing processing home, this initiative aims to enhance the value of Canadian soy and create new economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses.
The pilot facility in Morrisburg will enable efficient product development and market testing, with Japan as a primary target market. Marusan Ai Co., a leading soymilk producer in Japan, brings decades of expertise in food processing technology and a commitment to plant-based protein solutions.
“In Japan, we recognize the importance of plant protein for the well-being of global consumers and the possibility of a global shortage,” said Hiroyuki Inagaki, President of Alinova Canada Inc. “We believe that together with the reliable supply of Canadian soybeans and our longstanding experience in food processing technology, we can manufacture a novel made-in-Canada soymilk powder ingredient and find many food product applications. We also recognize and support the contribution this project can have for the Morrisburg community.”
The $23.9 million project will receive $6.7 million in funding from Protein Industries Canada, with the remaining investment provided by the partners. Earth’s Own Foods and Flamaglo Foods will test small batches of the new soymilk powder in products destined for Canadian grocery store shelves, furthering the project’s domestic impact.
Morrisburg’s selection as the pilot facility’s location underscores Eastern Ontario’s strategic importance in Canadian agriculture. The region’s non-GMO soybean growers will play a pivotal role in supplying high-quality crops for the project.
Alinova’s commitment to community well-being and local economic development is evident. This initiative is expected to generate jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen ties between Canadian and Japanese partners, ensuring Morrisburg’s place on the global soy processing map.
Protein Industries Canada, one of the country’s five Global Innovation Clusters, continues to champion projects that add value to Canadian crops. With a $25 billion opportunity in Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing, and bioproduct sectors, initiatives like this highlight the immense potential for economic growth and sustainability.
“Canada’s agriculture sector has a strong reputation for high-quality crops, and we can build on this by bringing the processing of those crops back home to Canadian soil,” said Protein Industries Canada CFO Kassandra Quayle. “Value-added processing and
whole-seed utilization here at home will secure our position as a leading supplier of high-value ingredients and food products, while providing families here in Canada, and around the world with a new selection of high-quality protein options.”
By 2026, the Morrisburg facility aims to be fully operational, offering a tangible example of the benefits of domestic crop processing. As Alinova Canada Inc. and its partners move forward, the project promises to elevate Eastern Ontario’s agricultural profile, benefiting both the local community and the broader Canadian economy.
