Protein crops for the protein transition

About this expertise

In short
  • Genetic basis of traits for breeding and the development of new crops
  • Quality of compounds, including proteins
Get in touch with us

We support companies, growers, and governments in making locally grown protein crops profitable. From breeding and cultivation strategies to ingredient functionality and value chain development — we accelerate the protein transition through expertise, facilities, and collaboration.

Our experts combine plant breeding, crop optimization, and food science to develop protein crops into a mature B2B offering. We conduct research on crops such as faba bean, pea, lupin, and soybean, focusing on higher yields, improved resistance, and reduced anti-nutritional compounds. Cultivation measures are tested under real-life conditions. In addition, our research contributes to the development of new protein crops and the improvement of flavor and functional properties of plant-based protein ingredients — for instance, for bread and beer.

Our topics:

  • Breeding and selection: Characterization of genetic variation in gene banks, mapping of the genetic basis of traits, and selection and breeding of varieties with high yield, resilience, and excellent protein quality for local cultivation
  • Field trials and advisory services: Applied research at WUR test sites to optimize cultivation strategies, soil quality, and nitrogen fixation
  • Protein ingredient quality: Analysis of the flavor, functionality, and amino acid profile of plant-based proteins for diverse applications
  • Value chain development and business cases: Integration of breeding, processing, and market introduction, including valorization of side streams and development of local value chains

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Duckweed: a new sustainable vegetable approved for the European market

Ten years of research by Wageningen University & Research has led

Related products, services and facilities (5)

Products, services and facilities
Facility

Trial site Lelystad

Trial site Lelystad is WUR’s largest experimental site, located on young marine clay. With 700 hectares of trial-ready fields, we have the capacity to set up everything from small-scale to very large and complex field experiments. These can be combined with laboratory analyses and high-quality storage facilities.

Facility

Trial site Marwijksoord

On the sandy soils of Drenthe in Marwijksoord lies the Kooijenburg experimental farm. This research and demonstration site for arable and forage crops is the only WUR trial location on northern sandy soils in the Netherlands, with a historic nutrient deficiency field. On 60 hectares of sandy soil, we conduct practical research in cooperation with farmers and chain partners.

Facility

Trial site Valthermond

Trial site Valthermond is the only Wageningen University & Research trial location on peat-colonial sandy loam. This makes the site uniquely suited for practice-oriented research into soil quality, cropping systems, biodiversity and new technologies. Collaboration with farmers, chain partners and governments is central.

Facility

Trial site Vredepeel

Vredepeel, located in Venray, is the trial site for the sandy soils of the southeastern Netherlands. We conduct practical field trials on crops and cropping systems, focusing on soil quality, resilient cultivation, fertilisation, water and erosion. Together with Trial Site Wijnandsrade, we also carry out field research on loess soils in South Limburg.

Facility

Trial site Westmaas

The Westmaas field crops trial site, situated in the Hoeksche Waard region of South Holland, specialises in research on potatoes, cereals and sugar beet. The soils are predominantly heavy silt loam to light clay. In addition to field trials, the location offers extensive facilities for potato storage research. With its excellent infrastructure, Westmaas enables integrated chain research from field to product quality.

Get in touch with our expert

Contact

Interested in collaborating or starting a pilot project? Get in touch with our expert.

dr. IM (Ingrid) van der Meer

Expert protein crops