Discussion corner
Can’t wait to hear from you
1. What do you mean by processing at the farm level? Does that mean proteins won’t be extruded from the plants that project is focusing on (i.e. protein isolates) and they’ll be used whole?
One of the aims of the project is to increase the profitability of protein crops at farm level. Specific on-farm technologies will be evaluated in terms of their feasibility and sustainability. Some of these technologies include the drying, cleaning and deshelling/dehulling of protein crops on farm. For example in Portugal one of our partners is working with a group of peanut farmers to evaluate the use of a peanut deshelling machine which both adds value for the peanut seed prior to sale and also contributes to a circular economy by enabling the re-use of peanut shells as an organic fertiliser.
The extraction of plant protein into isolate form will be further tested off farm.
2. How close to farms will the plant-based meat burgers be produced?
One of our Italian partners which is involved in social farming has constructed a small manufacturing facility on a farm in central Italy which will produce plant based vegetable burgers using on farm and locally grown protein crops.
3. Will Valpro prioritize the intersection of various plant protein crops to enhance plant protein production?
VALPRO Path aims to create a new value chain by intersecting different plant protein crops, specifically pea and faba bean. This approach will stabilize yield loss potential and improve the functionality of the final mixed protein system through Innovation Production System 3. The project will identify suitable varieties and blends of pea and faba bean to support synchronous harvesting, thereby enhancing crop yield and functionality during food production. The focus will be on intercropping management and the development of milling flours to improve the texture and sensory profiles of bakery products.Integrating various plant protein crops through intersecting strategies presents a multifaceted approach to bolstering plant protein production. By combining different crops, farmers can diversify nutrient profiles, enhance resilience to environmental stress, improve soil health, optimize resource allocation, reduce dependency on synthetic inputs, explore market diversification, and stimulate innovation in agricultural practices and research.
Project Coordination:
Dr. Ewen Mullins
Head of Crop Science Department at Teagasc and VALPRO Path Project Coordinator
Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12, Ireland
ewen.mullins@teagasc.ie
Project Communication:
Prof dr Mladen Radisic
CEO Foodscale Hub
LEONTOS SOFOU 20, THERMI
THESSALONIKIS, 57001, Greece
mladen@foodscalehub.com
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101059824 and co-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee.
