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Pulses in focus: Organic farmers discuss cultivation of the future!
Specialist day in Ballendorf about legumes: discussions on cultivation, climate change and new varieties for agriculture in Heidenheim.
Pulses in focus: Organic farmers discuss cultivation of the future!
The “Alb Protein Plant Day” took place on Wednesday in Ballendorf in the Alb-Donau district. Over 200 farmers, despite adverse weather conditions, took part in the event dedicated to the cultivation of pulses such as soybeans and chickpeas. The day was organized by Antonia Kotschi from the Heidenheim organic model region as well as the Heidenheim and Alb-Donau districts and the “LeguNet” network. The aim of the specialist day was to provide comprehensive information on the necessary changes in agriculture in the wake of climate change.
Projects and discussions about tillage, water management and crop rotation attracted great interest. Experts highlighted that new breeds and climatic changes are significantly expanding the cultivation opportunities for pulses. Varieties of soybeans and chickpeas that ripen faster and can cope better with wet weather were particularly positively highlighted.
The current status of pulse cultivation
An experimental field covering approximately 1 hectare and sampling 16 cropping strips using different techniques was also visited. While faba beans are considered “climate losers” due to their sensitivity to heat and drought, farmers are showing growing interest in new crop options, although some of them remain skeptical. Lentils and peas are currently more popular than soy and chickpeas.
One notable trend is the growth of the black chickpea market, although consumer acceptance has been low so far. During the discussions, the fact was also raised that in Germany the dependence on imports of soy for animal feed needs to be reduced despite increasing acreage.
Soy as an essential part of the diet
The importance of soy as a staple feed in livestock farming is undisputed. Germany imported around 3.4 million tons of soy in 2022. Global soy production has increased from 180 million tons in 2002 to 339 million tons in 2022, with over two-thirds of soy production coming from Brazil and the United States. In recent years, the federal government has promoted soybean cultivation in Germany, increasing the cultivated area from 1,000 hectares in 2008 to 45,000 hectares in 2023.
While the soybean, with a protein content of 40%, is an important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans, the majority of the harvest is used to produce soybean oil and soybean meal. Important facts about this are:
| Year | Amount of soy imported (tonnes) | Amount of soy produced in Germany (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3.4 million | 122,000 |
| 2008 | N/A | 1,000 |
| 2023 | N/A | 45,000 |
In summary, legumes such as soy are important not only for animal nutrition but also increasingly for human consumption. Consumers can help reduce their environmental footprint through conscious decisions, such as choosing non-GMO products. Events such as the “Alb Protein Plant Day” are essential to educate farmers about the advantages and challenges of growing pulses and to advance sustainable agriculture.