The Future is Pulses: How CERCO Group Aligns with the Crop That’s Changing the World
Behind every lentil, chickpea, and dry bean is a powerful story about sustainability, nutrition, and the people moving agriculture forward. Here’s why we’re paying attention, and why you should be too.
Source: USA Pulses
There’s a quiet revolution happening in agriculture. And it starts with a humble group of crops called pulses (dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans).
At first glance, they might look like everyday pantry staples. But behind the scenes, pulses are earning global recognition as a solution to some of the biggest challenges in food and farming: climate impact, food security, nutrition access, and soil health.
And for us at CERCO Group, that matters.
As Sourcing Specialists working across feed, food, pet, and specialty markets, we don’t just track commodity prices, we follow trends that shape entire supply chains. That’s why we’re tuned in to the work of USA Pulses and the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) which are two organizations leading the charge to elevate pulses as a cornerstone of a more resilient and regenerative food future.
What Makes Pulses So Powerful?
Pulses aren’t just crops. They’re a category of climate-smart ingredients that naturally check a lot of boxes:
Low Water Use: Pulses require significantly less water than other protein sources—making them ideal for drought-prone regions.
Soil Health Champions: They enrich the soil through natural nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Nutritional Powerhouses: High in protein, fiber, folate, and iron, pulses support everything from heart health to satiety and blood sugar regulation.
Shelf-Stable & Affordable: Their long shelf life and low cost make them accessible across global markets, from food banks to high-end CPG brands.
Simply put: pulses are good for people, the planet, and business.
Who’s Behind the Push?
The team at USA Pulses, a unified voice formed by the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, American Pulse Association, and the Pulse Foundation, isn’t just advocating for farmers. They’re reshaping how the world thinks about pulses.
From policy advocacy to university-led research funding, this group supports everything from health studies on pulse consumption to incentives for regenerative farming practices. They represent over 5,000 growers, processors, exporters, and stakeholders across the supply chain, all working to mainstream pulses as the future of protein and fiber.
And globally, the GPC (Global Pulse Confederation) brings together 24 national associations and hundreds of private companies to align on trade, sustainability, food systems policy, and cross-border innovation.
Why CERCO Group Cares
Cerco Group is rooted in agricultural tradition; we’ve always adapted to what the world needs next. Whether it’s animal feed or functional ingredients, we see a growing trend toward ingredients that carry a sustainability story.
That’s why we’re invested in what organizations like USA Pulses are doing. Because aligning with regenerative, nutrient-dense, and affordable crops isn’t just good branding, it’s the future of responsible sourcing.
And our traders are already having these conversations, whether it's introducing pulses as a soy alternative for pet foods, or helping CPG clients identify clean-label, shelf-stable fiber sources for their formulations.
We’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re making it actionable across industries.
CERCO at the Table.
This July, CERCO Group will be attending the USA Pulses event to connect with fellow leaders across the pulse supply chain. We’re looking forward to conversations around sustainable sourcing, regenerative practices, and the future role of pulses in global food systems. If you’ll be there, let’s connect.
Want to Learn More?
Visit usapulses.org to explore their research and advocacy work
Follow @GlobalPulses on LinkedIn for international pulse news and events
Or better yet, talk to our team about how you can incorporate sustainability-minded ingredients into your product line
