The U.S.-based Scoular Company has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Montana Microbial Products to produce and sell a barley protein concentrate in North America and Asia. Barley protein concentrate (BPC) is a sustainable, plant-based alternative protein used in aquaculture feed and pet food. It is produced from non-GMO barley without using harsh chemicals or solvents. BPC will provide a non-GMO, clean-label solution for pet food manufacturers seeking high-protein nutrition for their formulas. Montana Microbial Products developed its patent-pending technology to create the barley protein concentrate. The company won the Top Innovator Award for U.S. Seafood at the 2019 Fish 2.0 Symposium for the product.
Central to the project is Scoular’s plan to construct a state-of-the-art $13 million manufacturing facility. The facility’s location has not yet been finalized, but it likely will be built in Idaho to provide access to barley producers. The investment is expected to create 13 jobs and be operational by May 2021. Initially, the new facility is projected to process 1.9 million bushels of barley annually, with production projected to expand over the next several years. A high-energy liquid feed supplement for cattle feeders will be co-produced.
The partnership illustrates Scoular’s ongoing commitment to creating innovative solutions for the feed ingredient supply chain. “We’re excited to work with Montana Microbial Products to commercialize barley protein concentrate and look forward to collaborating with many industry stakeholders,” said John Messerich, senior vice president and division manager of Feed Ingredients at Scoular. “In a world of growing protein demand and an uncertain economic environment for farmers, BPC will contribute to Scoular’s mission of adding value to multiple industries with sustainable products.”
“After years of development and testing, we are excited to partner with The Scoular Company to get this product into the market,” added Bob Kearns, co-owner of Montana Microbial.
