ProteinCrops

Eiwittransitie - ProteinCrops

Identification and cultivation adaptation of protein-rich crops

General objectives

In order to limit our external dependence on protein-rich crops for food and animal feed, we must focus more on local cultivation, taking into account the economic feasibility, the climate, the limited agricultural area, the protein yield and composition, the value of the by-products (e.g. dual target crops), etc.

The goal is to increase the cultivation area of ​​protein-rich crops in Flanders with optimal yield, functionality and (nutritional) quality. Primarily, this comes down to identifying which crops offer potential for cultivation as a protein-rich crop in Flanders. Within those who have that potential, further exploration can be done for which varieties offer the most opportunities, or new varieties can be created that are better adapted to the local climate, provide a higher (protein) yield, a nutritionally better (protein) composition and/or have better functional properties.

By combining exploratory and feasibility studies with agricultural research, new opportunities can arise for the local cultivation of protein-rich crops. In addition, fundamental research into and development of new varieties of existing crops with a specific focus on nutritional and protein composition will also contribute to this concept.

Expected results

  • Insight into the potential, properties and possibilities for local cultivation of various protein crops
  • New crops that are optimized in terms of local cultivation, (protein) yield, nutritional (protein) composition and/functionality
  • Availability of new protein-rich crops for further processing, originating from local cultivation

Other concepts whitin this roadmap

Eiwittransitie - NovoPro
NovoPro

Identification, cultivation and processing opportunities for new protein sources

Eiwittransitie - EXPRO
EXPRO

Options for, and optimisation of protein extraction processes from different types of protein sources

Eiwittransitie - ProFormula
ProFormula

Development and formulation of new, high-quality protein-rich consumer products

Eiwittransitie - FUNkyProtein
FUNkyProtein

Research into the functionality and key properties of protein structures

Eiwittransitie - Society
Society

The protein shift in a broader social context

Eiwittransitie - ReUSE-IT
ReUSE-IT

Reuse of by-products for and from protein production