Legumes

The EVA Legumes network began operations in 2024, building on preparatory work by the 'ForEVA'(Fostering the need for implementation of the ECPGR European Evaluation Network on grain legumes) project, coordinated by the ECPGR Grain Legumes Working Group and funded through the ECPGR Grant Scheme.

The network is implemented thanks to the ‘EVA Boost’ project supported by the German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture. EVA Legumes focuses on seven legume crops: bean, chickpea, fava bean, lentil, lupine, pea and orphan legumes. Partners participate in multiple crop groups according to their interests and expertise, with each group led by a designated crop leader overseeing scientific direction. Evaluations will be conducted in diverse environments, including on-farm trials in marginal areas, thus contributing to the promotion of legume diversity in the production of plant-based protein for a more sustainable diet in Europe, one of the priorities within the Farm2Fork strategy of the EU. 

Strong collaborations with ongoing Horizon projects INCREASE, BELIS and Legume Generation ensure wide exploitation and dissemination of existing research outputs with a large pool of stakeholders.