Summary
This review examines the historical decline of legume cultivation and consumption in Europe and contemporary efforts to restore their role as foundations for sustainable food systems. The authors document policy initiatives, technological innovations, and product diversification strategies that integrate legume production into modern farming systems, whilst identifying structural barriers—including underinvestment in breeding and infrastructure relative to cereals—that have slowed this transition. The paper synthesises evidence that legumes remain central to achieving sustainable agri-food systems when supported by coherent policy and technological frameworks.
Regional applicability
Given that legumes occupy minimal agricultural land across Europe, these findings apply directly to United Kingdom policy and practice. The identified barriers—competitive disadvantage from lower investment in legume-adapted technology, processing infrastructure, and breeding programmes—and proposed solutions are readily transferable to the UK context, particularly within organic and regenerative farming transitions.
Key measures
Current agricultural land occupation by legumes in Europe; documented policy initiatives; legume product innovation types; farming system integration approaches
Outcomes reported
The paper compiles policies and initiatives promoting legume production and consumption across Europe, documenting legume reinvention in multiple food products and farming practices. It identifies cultural, societal, political, and economic barriers to legume adoption and summarises approaches combining traditional legume production with modern technological knowledge.
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