USA Pulses and US Dry Bean Council

The Role of USA Pulses and USDBC in the U.S. Legume Industry

USA Pulses and the U.S. Dry Bean Council (USDBC) are organizations founded to support and promote the pulse and dry bean industries in the United States. Both play a pivotal role in advancing production, marketing, and policy development to strengthen the position of farmers and stakeholders within the industry.

Defining Pulses and Dry Beans

Before delving into these organizations, it is essential to understand the scientific definitions of the terms Pulses and Dry Beans.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Pulses refer to leguminous crops that yield dry edible seeds. This group includes Dry Peas, Lentils, and Chickpeas (also known as Garbanzo Beans or Hummus Beans).

Dry Beans, on the other hand, refer to beans that have been naturally or mechanically dried for long-term storage. This category includes Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans, and Lima Beans, among others.

The Formation of USA Pulses

USA Pulses was formed through the merger of two major organizations: the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC) and the American Pulse Association (APA).

The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC) has been one of the key institutions supporting and developing the U.S. pulse industry.

The Origins of the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC)

The origins of this organization date back to 1949, when a group of dry pea processing plant owners in Washington and Idaho came together to form the Pacific Northwest Dry Pea Processors Association. The goal was to promote trade and cooperation within the regional dry pea industry.

From Regional Cooperation to National Development

This collaboration marked the beginning of a systematic approach to pulse industry development in the United States. It later led to the establishment of a national organization the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC) which expanded its role to include research, development, marketing, and trade policy, supporting farmers, processors, and exporters nationwide.

The American Pulse Association (APA) and Its Mission

The American Pulse Association (APA) was established to unite all sectors across the pulse value chain from growers to consumers with the mission of promoting sustainable growth for the U.S. pulse industry across economic, nutritional, and environmental dimensions.

The Historic Merger to Form USA Pulses

In July 2025, a major milestone occurred when the USADPLC and the APA officially merged to form USA Pulses.

This strategic unification aims to double pulse consumption and production by 2030, aligning with the global shift toward plant-based proteins and sustainable agriculture.

The U.S. Dry Bean Council (USDBC) and Its Global Impact

The U.S. Dry Bean Council (USDBC) is another key organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the U.S. dry bean industry. As a non-profit trade association, it collaborates with producers, processors, exporters, and retailers to enhance the global value of the dry bean sector.

Partnership with the American Dry Bean Board (ADBB)

Its sister organization, the American Dry Bean Board (ADBB), was responsible for domestic marketing and public relations, focusing on increasing U.S. dry bean consumption, communicating their nutritional and health benefits, and raising awareness about the diversity of bean varieties and their culinary versatility.

Organizational Merger and Structure of the USDBC

In 2005, the two organizations merged under the name U.S. Dry Bean Council (USDBC), which remains the official body representing the U.S. dry bean industry today.

Currently, the USDBC includes organizational members, agricultural commissions representing growers from seven states, and associations or committees of exporters and distributors representing grain elevators, brokers, and transport companies operating in 14 major bean-producing states. Each member appoints one voting director and one alternate to the Board of Directors.

Collaboration with the USDA to Support the Industry

Both USA Pulses and USDBC maintain close relationships with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) particularly in areas of funding, research, and international marketing initiatives.

One of their primary missions is to utilize USDA funding through programs such as the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to expand international markets and develop trade policies that benefit U.S. pulse and bean producers while ensuring long-term global competitiveness.

USDAs Support for Health and Sustainability Research

Additionally, the USDA supports health and sustainability research related to pulse and bean consumption to provide updated scientific insights that address the evolving needs of modern consumers.