In late 2021, a few EU-funded projects, including the Smart Protein project, began collaborating under the Horizon4Proteins initiative. Their focus areas encompassed consumer acceptance of alternative proteins, safety, and regulatory challenges, food applications, and sustainability. In early 2023, VALPRO Path joined this collaborative effort.
This collaboration culminated in the latest episode of the VALPRO Path podcast, where Dr. Jacqueline Lyons provided an in-depth exploration of the Smart Protein Project. She shared valuable insights into the dynamics of the plant protein market, highlighting significant findings and implications for the future of sustainable protein sources in Europe.
Can you briefly introduce the Smart Protein project? What are its goals and mission? What are the pilot initiatives and the crops that are involved?
Smart Protein is an EU-funded project under the Horizon 2020 framework. It started in January 2020 and is set to conclude in June 2024. It’s a large project with a consortium of 33 partners from 14 countries in Europe and beyond. The project encompasses various research themes, all aiming to support a transition away from a heavy reliance on animal protein among European consumers. It promotes increased uptake of plant and alternative proteins in the EU.
How different varieties of protein crops are performing across Europe?
One of the interesting aspects of Smart Protein is its focus on four different protein crops: quinoa, chickpea, faba bean, and lentil. These crops were grown at various pilot farms across Europe, including northern regions like Ireland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, and southern regions such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The project collected data on yield, disease resistance, irrigation, intercropping, and other factors. Notably, faba beans performed well in both northern and southern Europe, particularly a variety called Tiffany, which is low in antinutrients and capable of producing high volumes of plant protein. Chickpeas showed significant potential in southern Europe, producing up to 661 kg of protein per hectare. Detailed findings, including specific cultivars and optimal growing conditions, are available for those interested on our website.
What are the key takeaways from the recently published leaflets aimed at informing farmers about successful varieties and growing practices in different EU countries?
We produced several leaflets specific to each protein crop and country involved in the project. For example, there’s a leaflet on fava beans in Ireland, quinoa in Italy, and so forth. These leaflets provide practical advice for farmers on the best cultivars to use, weed management, seed germination, and disease prevention. They are designed to help farmers make informed decisions and achieve success with protein crops. The leaflets are available on our website, and we’re actively promoting them to farmers and farmer groups. There’s also a leaflet on the market potential of protein crops in Europe, which is valuable for encouraging farmers to consider these crops.
…for more: Listen to our Podcast
If you are interested in hearing more about how the food industry and academic partners collaborated to develop innovative protein ingredients and products, or if you want information regarding the large consumer survey conducted, we invite you to watch the full discussion on our YouTube page!
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