What was the challenge/problem addressed?

 

Netherlands and Europe are excessively reliant on the import of plant-based protein sources, such as soy, from outside the EU and the Netherlands. In an effort to foster a more diverse range of plant-based protein cultivation, the National Protein Strategy outlines the goal of cultivating 100,000 hectares with protein-rich crops by 2030, a fivefold increase from the current situation. Growers in Gelderland are eager to further develop the cultivation of lupine for human consumption.

How did you solve the problem?

 

The project aims to strengthen lupine cultivation for human consumption by aligning demand and supply and creating added value. The focus is on organic and biodynamic cultivation methods. The key objectives include:

Chain and Product Development: Establish at least three innovative lupine product lines within the (short) supply chain. To achieve this, the project will maintain control over the supply chain to processors by investing in an in-house cleaning and polishing line, identified as essential in the initial exploratory phase. Subsequently, multidisciplinary teams involving farmers and chain partners will develop and market the three lupine product lines.

Knowledge and Experience Sharing: Engage a minimum of 12 participating organic and/or biodynamic agricultural entrepreneurs and chain partners in a working group to share experiences. The group includes farmers cultivating at least 3 hectares, with at least 50% of participants from Gelderland. Proving grounds will be set up at one location with this group to compare the best varieties and measures while fostering discussions on lupine. Some of these farmers will also participate in chain groups to develop and market lupine products.

All activities are geared towards developing sustainable, resilient earning and value models for farmers and involved (short) supply chain partners that contribute to the (local) economy, nature, and the environment.

What is innovative in your practical case?

See above

What are the success factors in solving the problem?

Big network of likeminded farmers in the region, urgency of the nitrogen challenge in the netherlands, the Dutch protein transition which gave us a mandate

Lessons learned

unknown

What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?

Mainly coordinated by farmers themselves but supported by small advisory organizations

Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?

Yes

Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5

(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)

2

 

For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact

Jurrian Nannes

jurrian.nannes@wur.nl

Link to external information

https://www.lekkerlupine.nl/