LegValue comprises 24 research and industry partners with the following objectives: “To define platforms for change that can help deliver greater EU self-sufficiency in vegetable protein production; to identify opportunities for innovation, adding value to markets and all participants in the value chains and; to recognise opportunities to influence change, be they at commercial, research or at policy level.

“The ultimate benefits are the fostering of greater, more profitable legume and pulse production in the EU to satisfy a larger more valuable and diverse market to the financial benefit of all in the value chains and to deliver social and environmental benefits to all.”

The infographics describing legume success stories currently include examples from France and make interesting reading. For example, a farmer facing corn rootworm problems in eastern France has introduced soya bean as a break crop in maize monoculture ahead of a wheat crop. He reports that the work of the soya bean roots means wheat can be sown without ploughing and take advantage of the nitrogen residues provided by the legume. So, compaction is reduced and soil structure improved, alongside a change in the weed flora which has reduced herbicide treatments.

Another example examines a farmer who introduced an agronomically interesting spring field pea crop into predominantly cereal-based rotations. The alternation of spring and winter crops provides better control of weeds in the rotation, saving one autumn weeding. Furthermore, the pea crop has had a positive impact on soil structure along with providing nitrogen for the following wheat crop, resulting in a yield gain.

Another example has seen a farmer combine oilseed rape with a legume-based mixture (either Bengal vetch and Alexandrian clover or clover and fenugreek). As a result, he only applies catch-up weed control against grasses and OSR benefits from the nitrogen provided by the companion plants. Furthermore, he believes the companion plants may act as a decoy for flea beetle populations, with no negative impact on yields and improved soil structure.

There are currently 10 videos on the project’s YouTube channel, including for example, an exploration of the role of policy in increasing legume production, an examination of legume  processing and updates on grain legume and pea breeding.

For more information:

• Search LegValue’s infographics here
• Visit the project’s YouTube channel here