KeyGene, Agrifirm, Ebro Ingredients, ME-AT, and Upfield have joined forces to launch a project aimed at significantly contributing to the sustainability of our food system: FabaFood. This initiative is part of the EFRO 2021-2027 Oost-Nederland program and stems from the Bean Deal.
Globally, there is a strong desire to make our food production system and consumption patterns more sustainable. Transitioning to increased production and consumption of locally sourced plant-based proteins can play a key role in this effort.
The faba bean, or field bean, is a highly suitable protein crop for cultivation in the Dutch climate. However, current faba bean varieties have predominantly been bred for animal feed. These varieties often require extensive processing to meet the desired quality, taste, color, and texture standards for human food applications. To address this, the FabaFood project is developing new, modern field bean varieties tailored to the needs of both consumers and processors.
To achieve this, the project partners are leveraging their respective areas of expertise to collaboratively work on:
- Breeding new food-grade field bean varieties by enhancing both input and output traits of the faba bean using innovative speed-breeding technology (KeyGene).
- Testing the improved field bean varieties, conducting agronomic research, and developing a crop model (Agrifirm).
- Investigating and developing protein extraction methods that align with the new characteristics of the improved field bean varieties (Ebro Ingredients).
- Exploring and developing techniques to process the extracted proteins into plant-based products suitable for human consumption (ME-AT and Upfield).
With these new food-grade field bean varieties and advanced protein extraction techniques, the project aims to create innovative prototypes of field bean-based meat and dairy substitutes. These products will excel in taste, color, texture, and cost-effectiveness. The ultimate goal of the project is to establish a viable business case for all stakeholders in the faba bean value chain—from farm to fork.
EFRO
The EFRO 2021-2027 Oost-Nederland program strengthens the region’s innovation capacity and enhances the earning potential of East Netherlands businesses. Additionally, it contributes to solutions for the energy transition. The program is financially supported by the European Union.
