VALERECO is collaborating with Lekker Lupine, a Dutch organization dedicated to the cultivation and distribution of locally grown lupine beans for human consumption. This collaboration aims to enhance sustainable lupine farming practices across Europe.

VALERECO project focuses on highlighting the benefits of legumes, such as lupine and field beans, to demonstrate and increase their value in plant-based agriculture. Integrating crops like lupine into farming systems offers several advantages, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Through this partnership, experts from Delphy, a specialist in agricultural consultancy and a partner of VALERECO, will work closely with Lekker Lupine to advance lupine cultivation techniques, expand market opportunities, and promote sustainable farming methods. 

Marieke Laméris, co-founder of Lekker Lupine, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Partnering with VALERECO allows us to further optimize lupine as a sustainable crop in Europe. This project provides an opportunity to communicate the benefits of lupine more broadly and contribute to a more sustainable food system, with access to a larger European network of agricultural professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Additionally, I anticipate new market opportunities and even better connections with our chain partners, strengthening the economic position of the farmer.”

A key component of VALERECO involves conducting field trials on lupine and field beans. To facilitate this, a collaboration has been established with Ekoboerderij de Lingehof, where André Jurrius has been cultivating lupine biodynamically since 2008. 

Jan Kiers, senior project manager at Delphy, stated, “This partnership enables us to significantly boost legume cultivation in the Netherlands. We look forward to contributing our Delphy expertise to the cultivation and all activities surrounding the promotion of these beautiful and sustainable crops. With the field trial at this excellent location, we also have an attractive site for demonstration meetings for our stakeholders.”

Source: Lekker Lupine’s website