Legume growing has many benefits; provision of plant proteins for animals and humans, fixation of atmospheric N
2, cheap and green N fertilisers
, diversification crops in rotations based on oilseed
rape and cereals. Yet legume crops in Europe
represent less than 4 % of arable lands. The authors show that legumes can contribute
to the agroecological transition for sustainable agriculture, food and
energy and for sustainable agri-food systems. However
high added-value niche markets are required for supporting legume
production. The major research needs identified are (1) analysing the
constraints of the current systems and identifying ways of moving
towards systems that include more legumes, (2) identifying new and
diversified uses for legumes in a sustainable food chain, (3) assessing
and improving the ecosystem services provided by legumes at cropping
system and territory scales and (4) promoting agroecology through and
for legume crop management.
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