Abstract
The food- and feed-value systems in the European Union are not protein self-sufficient. Despite the potential of legume-supported production systems to reduce the externalities caused by current cultivation practices (excessive use of N fertilizer) and improve the sustainability of the arable cropping systems and the quality of human diets, sufficient production of high-protein legume grains in Europe has not been achieved due to multiple barriers. Identifying the barriers to the production and consumption of legumes is the first step in realizing new pathways towards more sustainable food systems of which legumes are integral part. In this study, we engage stakeholders and decision-makers in a structured communication process, the Delphi method, to identify policy interventions leveraging barriers that hinder the production and consumption of legumes in the EU. This study is one of a kind and uses a systematic method to reach a common understanding of the policy incoherencies across sectors. Through this method we identify policy interventions that may promote the production of legumes and the creation of legume-based products in the EU. Policies that encourage reduced use of inorganic N fertilizer represent an important step toward a shift in the increased cultivation of legumes. Relatedly, investment in R&D, extension services, and knowledge transfer is necessary to support a smooth transition from the heavy use of synthetic N fertilizer in conventional agriculture. These policy interventions are discussed within current EU and national plant-protein strategies.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilLegume-supported value chains, from production to consumption, provide evidencebased advantages that include improved ecosystem functions and resource use efficiency, as well as farmed animal and human health provisions
The impact mean value of these policy interventions was around level 4, and IRD received lower values than N fertilizer use (NFU) and DH (Figure 1) because there was doubt whether research and development (R&D) alone could increase the production and consumption of legumes, but the probability that this measure would occur received higher consensus (Figure 2)
As reported in the comments by some of the participants, this policy intervention is likely to produce a drastic change towards higher legume production, but the success of it depends on how to make such a shift
Summary
Legume-supported value chains, from production to consumption, provide evidencebased advantages that include improved ecosystem functions and resource use efficiency, as well as farmed animal and human health provisions. Despite the potential of legumes to improve the sustainability of arable cropping systems and enhance the quality of farmed animal and human diets, the production and consumption of legumes in Europe is low, and their demand as feed is high, which is the adaptation of a phenomenon termed “the legume paradox” [3]. Multiple barriers limit the production, processing, marketing, and consumption of legumes in Europe, which are caused by various forms of system lock-ins and capacity gaps that span multiple levels of the food system.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
