Policy Brief: Environmental Policies

Despite the potential of legumes to improve the sustainability of arable cropping systems and enhance the quality of farmed animal and human diets, the production and consumption of legumes in Europe are low, whereas their demand for feed is high.” This insight, also called a legume paradox, was shared by many stakeholders (approximately 600) from the TRUE project partnership and beyond. To support the realisation of more sustainable legume-based systems, results from the TRUE policy analysis are formulated as recommendations and collected in four policy briefs to help develop positive, proactive approaches This policy brief on environmental policies addresses the need to - reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser through the cultivation of home-grown legumes. - invest in R&D, agricultural extension services, and knowledge transfer to allow a smooth transition. - invest in applied research such as breeding of new legumes varieties