Europe: Demand must make protein farming future-proof

The European Union wants to become self-sufficient in protein-rich crops, such as soybeans and kidney beans. But we are far from there yet. Growers of protein-rich crops for human consumption have united in the producer organization Eiwitboeren van Nederland. Now there is also a logo for home-grown beans, so that they become recognizable to the consumer. Research by the producer organization shows that half of consumers are extra motivated to buy a product if they know that it is made from vegetable proteins grown in the Netherlands. More than 65 agricultural entrepreneurs are affiliated with Eiwitboeren van Nederland, one of the 56 organizations involved in the national Green Deal for high-protein crops (an elaboration of the National Protein Strategy). The producer organization has existed since May last year. The protein crops used include field beans, lupine, soya and chickpeas, as well as brown and white beans. "There is a very great diversity, much more than you initially ...