Healthy local snacks now available across the globe.
It’s not unusual for Saskatchewan farmers to get together in their nearby communities to share ideas and find new solutions to old problems. Such was the case for three farmers in the Midale area who started a conversation about finding ways to add value to their farm products.
The conversation led to the creation of Three Farmers, one of Canada’s leading producers of roasted pulse-based snacks. Today, products can be found in grocery stores, airlines, and international markets.
Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Elysia Vandenhurk said the genesis behind the company began with a simple question: “We grow so much of the world’s food here, and a lot of it is incredibly healthy. How do we add value to that right here at home instead of shipping it away and buying it back?”
They initially answered that question by growing and selling camelina oil, a popular oil in Europe that is well-suited to be grown in Saskatchewan. Although camelina oil provided the company with a starting point, it also presented challenges.
At the same time, the experience gave the founders a better understanding of branding, distribution and consumer preferences. It also reinforced their original goal of creating value-added products using Saskatchewan-grown ingredients. As they looked to grow the business, they began exploring new opportunities that could reach a broader audience while staying true to their agricultural roots.
That led them to pulses, including lentils, chickpeas, fava beans and peas. Saskatchewan produces an abundance of pulses that are exported around the world, but they are not widely consumed in North America. Recognizing this gap, the company saw an opportunity to introduce these nutritious ingredients in a new format.
In 2014, Three Farmers shifted its focus toward developing roasted pulse-based snacks. When they discovered that there was no existing large-scale manufacturing process in North America to produce these products the way they envisioned, the path forward was clear — build their own. That move marked a turning point for the company, transforming it from a small, farmer-driven startup into an innovative food manufacturer.
By working closely with farmers, grain processors and suppliers across the province, the company ensures consistent quality while supporting the broader agricultural ecosystem. This localized supply chain not only strengthens the provincial economy, but also reduces transportation costs and environmental impact.
Being located at the source has been a critical advantage for the company. Vandenhurk said this provides the company with expertise and quality that would be very hard to replicate from far away. The company is directly tied to the crops, farmers and the land that produces its ingredients.
“We wanted to create a genuine connection between the consumer and the farmer,” said Vandenhurk. “Not everyone has the opportunity to see how food is grown, so this is a way to share that story and be transparent about what we’re creating.”
The success of this approach can be found in the company’s new 32,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Saskatoon where it roasts, seasons, packages and distributes its products. The facility runs around the clock and employs dozens of Saskatchewan residents, contributing to local job creation and economic growth.
Three Farmers emphasizes minimal processing in its manufacturing. Its products are dry roasted rather than fried, which preserves both nutritional value and ingredient integrity.
The company has also built transparency directly into its brand. Every package includes a QR code that allows consumers to trace the product back to the farm where it was grown.
Three Farmers’ growth has also been supported by Saskatchewan’s international network and support programs. The company has been a long-time member of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, participating in trade missions, business-to-business meetings and international marketing opportunities. These connections have played a key role in helping the company expand into export markets, including the United States, Asia and the United Kingdom.
The company has also accessed provincial programs such as the Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing program, which supports investments in automation and equipment. These types of initiatives help companies scale efficiently by reducing capital costs and encouraging innovation in manufacturing processes.
Vandenhurk emphasized that Saskatchewan offers everything needed to start and grow a business.
“There is so much opportunity here,” she said. “You have the resources, the people, and a community that supports you. If you’re willing to do the work, Saskatchewan is a place where you can build something meaningful.”
For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-526-9806
Email: media.ted@gov.sk.ca
