Increase cultivation in Europe and prevent deforestation in South America
Vienna (OTS) – On the United Nations International Day of Pulses on February 10th, Donau Soja reminds us of the importance of these protein plants in ensuring the nutrition of the European population, improving soils and stopping the deforestation of valuable ecosystems. In 2024, the motto of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is “Pulses nourish soils and people”. “The cultivation of legumes strengthens the structure of soils, microbial biodiversity and the resilience of soil ecosystems. This improves nutrient cycling, reduces the use of fertilizers and pesticides in crop rotation. “If we increase the cultivation of legumes in Europe, we will make ourselves more resilient to supply chain problems, enrich our soil and improve our health,” said Donau Soja President Matthias Krön. Donau Soja has developed a protein strategy to close the current gap in protein supply in Europe.
Legumes are protein plants
The pulses (legumes) particularly include grain and chickpeas, broad beans, lentils and lupins. The protein plant with the highest protein content of around 40% is the soybean, which is botanically a legume but is also an oilseed. But other legumes also have a high protein content and improve crop rotation.
For healthy people and a healthy environment
Growing legumes not only improves soils, protects forests and the climate, but increasing their use in our kitchens also provides us with healthier plant-based protein. Legumes get their fertilizer from the air using special bacteria in the roots of the plants and so do not need any artificial fertilizer. “Eating soy, peas, etc. not only provides us with valuable plant-based nutrients and fiber, but also ensures a healthier environment,” says Krön. Donau Soja’s protein strategy pursues the increased cultivation of legumes, sustainable imports, the better use of other protein sources, greater efficiency in their use and more consumption by consumers.
Legume Hub and Legume Generation
Donau Soja and its partners manage their own European platform for legumes, the “Legume Hub”. There you will find extensive knowledge, numerous articles, reports, practices and tips for the production of plant-based protein products along the entire value chain. To reduce the European protein gap and increase the cultivation of legumes, Donau Soja is also part of the international consortium “Legume Generation”, supported by the EU and the UK.
Link to photos and subjects
Link to Donau Soja protein strategy
Link to Legume Hub
Link to Legume Generation
Questions & Contact:
Questions, interviews and photos:
Frank Petri
Head of Communications Donau Soja
Wiesinger Straße 6/14, 1100 Vienna
Mobil: +43-664-88961298
E-Mail: petri@donausoja.org and press@donausoja.org
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