Periodic Reporting for period 2 - VALPRO Path (new VALue landscapes for plant PROtein Pathways)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-03-01 bis 2025-08-31
European agriculture is at a juncture in regards to the sustainable provision of dietary protein. It can embrace opportunities presented through existing innovations that are integrated into real-life scenarios to support stakeholders realise the new market opportunities that exist for indigenous, fully traceable plant protein. However, the current European plant-protein landscape is flawed. Production systems are focussed heavily on the production of feedstock for direct transfer into animal sectors in an attempt to counter the EU’s over-dependency on imported feed. In essence, there is an absence of premium supply chains - farmers miss out on added-value opportunities that exist within the crops they already grow across Europe. Built on the principles of co-creation, innovation and demonstration, VALPRO Path will design, validate and deliver sustainable and competitive plant protein crop systems and value chains. Focussed on underpinning economic value for all actors in the supply chain, it will exploit beyond state-of-the-art innovations, demonstrating and evaluating potential across 5 multi-stakeholder ‘living lab’ innovation production systems (IPSs). With strong industry involvement, the project will deliver a stronger ecosystem for plant protein production, supported with robust evidence of the social, economic, environmental, climate and health benefits. VALPRO Path will deliver new, sustainable business models, showing how focussed research can come into practice. Sustainable diversification of rotations with grain legumes will support the transition to more environmentally sustainable farming.
An analysis of the knowledge GAPs and Lock-in situations preventing the growth of the plant protein sector, which resulted in the production of a comprehensive report and accompanying story map, available on the project website.
Field studies were undertaken to select cultivars of major protein crops with the highest value potential for inclusion in European supply chains. This selection approach considers both production and processing criteria to identify cultivars with not just strong agronomic performance but also those that have potential to achieve added value as a food ingredient. Compositional analysis was carried out to analyse the quality of these cultivars in terms of the main macronutrients. This work was further documented and archived on a user friendly database which at project completion will serve as a valuable asset in decision making aid for growers of minor legume crops in a specific pedo-climatic zone.
Food processing technologies such as separation, fermentation, extrusion, hydro dynamic cavitation, roasting and many others were investigated to refine legume crops into versatile ingredients for use in multiple food applications. Depending on their end application the technology applied addressed a specific techno-functional need such as a more uniform solution for beverage production, a less earthy flavour for flour production or a more textured protein for meat substitutes.
Using the ingredients produced from the various processing technologies, new business models explored their application in everyday food products such as pastas, breads, meat substitutes and beverages. Work was carried out to find a more appealing food offering for consumers that wish to consume more plant based products in their diet. Market dynamics were explored for these crops through work package 5 and their sustainability was measured in WP4 to deliver a product that meets the demands of consumers. To support the environmental credentials of these products further, carbon footprint and nutrient tracking tools were developed that can deliver more transparency to the consumer on the ingredients used in these products.
Field studies were undertaken to select cultivars of major protein crops with the highest value potential for inclusion in European supply chains. This selection approach considers both production and processing criteria to identify cultivars with not just strong agronomic performance but also those that have potential to achieve added value as a food ingredient. Compositional analysis was carried out to analyse the quality of these cultivars in terms of the main macronutrients. This work was further documented and archived on a user friendly database which at project completion will serve as a valuable asset in decision making aid for growers of minor legume crops in a specific pedo-climatic zone.
Food processing technologies such as separation, fermentation, extrusion, hydro dynamic cavitation, roasting and many others were investigated to refine legume crops into versatile ingredients for use in multiple food applications. Depending on their end application the technology applied addressed a specific techno-functional need such as a more uniform solution for beverage production, a less earthy flavour for flour production or a more textured protein for meat substitutes.
Using the ingredients produced from the various processing technologies, new business models explored their application in everyday food products such as pastas, breads, meat substitutes and beverages. Work was carried out to find a more appealing food offering for consumers that wish to consume more plant based products in their diet. Market dynamics were explored for these crops through work package 5 and their sustainability was measured in WP4 to deliver a product that meets the demands of consumers. To support the environmental credentials of these products further, carbon footprint and nutrient tracking tools were developed that can deliver more transparency to the consumer on the ingredients used in these products.
A report with the primary objective of establishing a robust conceptual and methodological framework that could effectively identify bottlenecks and deficiencies within the European protein crop value chain.
A result of significance was the development of a number Life cycle assessment of plant based food offerings such as beverages and meat alternatives.
Nutrient tracking tools enabled manufacturers maximise the valorization of main constituents and by-products produced from the processing of plant based protein ingredients/applications.
Field testing of a more regional suitable varieties enabled the generation of tailored agronomic knowledge to achieve maximum yield and performance.
Databases on varietal choice for protein crops gave growers a novel support tool.
Plant based food applications with alternative USP's such as gluten free, high protein, locally sourced and increased sustainability were also developed across the many IPS activities.
A result of significance was the development of a number Life cycle assessment of plant based food offerings such as beverages and meat alternatives.
Nutrient tracking tools enabled manufacturers maximise the valorization of main constituents and by-products produced from the processing of plant based protein ingredients/applications.
Field testing of a more regional suitable varieties enabled the generation of tailored agronomic knowledge to achieve maximum yield and performance.
Databases on varietal choice for protein crops gave growers a novel support tool.
Plant based food applications with alternative USP's such as gluten free, high protein, locally sourced and increased sustainability were also developed across the many IPS activities.