In the world of pulse crops—where dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas power markets and nourish millions—the organizational structure behind the scenes can be a little confusing to some. With similar names, overlapping missions, and multiple acronyms, it’s easy to wonder: Who does what?
If you’ve ever mixed up the Montana Pulse Crop Committee with the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council or asked whether USA Pulses is a company, this article is for you.
Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC)
Let’s start with us. Founded in 2017, the Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) is a grower-funded, state-level organization responsible for managing Montana’s pulse crop checkoff program. We collect and steward checkoff dollars from pulse producers across the state and strategically invest those funds to serve our mission and advance the priorities outlined in our strategic plan. This includes funding cutting-edge research, promoting best agronomic practices, supporting market development, and collaborating with national partners to advocate for Montana’s pulse industry. MPCC represents growers’ interests and plays a pivotal role in keeping Montana at the forefront of U.S. pulse production.
USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (USADPLC)
Established in 1965, the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council is a nonprofit trade association made up of growers, processors, and exporters of dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. The Council works on both domestic and international fronts—supporting market research, product development, export promotion, and technical assistance. Montana is one of the founding member states.
Not a separate organization, USA Pulses is the consumer-facing brand of the USADPLC. When you see USA Pulses on packaging or at international trade shows, it’s the marketing identity of the Council. USA Pulses promotes the full range of U.S.-grown pulse crops—dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans (though export promotion for dry beans is handled elsewhere).
American Pulse Association (APA)
The APA is a coalition of producers and industry professionals focused on increasing pulse consumption, securing research funding, and influencing policy. It serves as a unifying voice for the entire value chain—what they call “farm to fork.” MPCC is a supporting member, contributing to nationwide advocacy.
U.S. Pea and Lentil Trade Association (USPLTA)
Founded in 1962, USPLTA is focused specifically on trade. This association represents processors, warehouse operators, and sellers, advocating on matters like export policies, transportation, grading standards, and trade rules. It often works in close coordination with USADPLC.
Northern Pulse Growers Association (NPGA)
The Northern Pulse Growers Association represents pulse crop producers in Montana and North Dakota, advocating for the region’s interests in research, policy, and market development. The NPGA serves as a key voice for growers in the Northern Plains, hosting annual grower meetings, supporting extension education, promoting domestic use of pulse crops, and working closely with both MPCC and USADPLC on national and regional priorities. Their work has helped position the Northern Plains as one of the most productive pulse-growing regions in the world.
Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Pulse Foundation supports efforts to improve health, food security, and environmental resilience through pulses. With a mission rooted in nutrition and sustainability, the foundation funds research and outreach that elevates the role of pulses in addressing global challenges.
Coalition for the Advancement of Pulses (CAP)
CAP is a joint initiative powered by APA, USADPLC, USPLTA, the Pulse Foundation, and the U.S. Dry Bean Council. It’s designed to boost pulse consumption in the U.S. by raising public awareness and driving research into health benefits. If you’ve seen national campaigns about the power of pulses, CAP likely had a hand in it.
Other Supporting Organizations
Each state-level entity—like MPCC in Montana or the Idaho Pea & Lentil Commission—feeds into this broader network. We work together to elevate the entire U.S. pulse crop industry, ensuring that research, policy, and marketing efforts are coordinated and effective.
The Bottom Line
While the names can be a mouthful, each entity plays a vital role in supporting pulse crops from farm to table—and from Montana to global markets. Understanding who’s who not only helps demystify the acronyms, it highlights the impressive collaboration that powers this vital industry.
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