Welcome to the second edition of the LegumES Newsletter! In this issue, we bring you the latest insights from recent workshops, research milestones, and initiatives shaping the future of legume farming. Across Europe, experts, farmers, and policymakers are coming together to explore innovative solutions for increasing the adoption of legumes and their role in sustainable agriculture.

Between December 2023 and February 2024, multi-actor workshops held in the UK, Hungary, and France facilitated valuable discussions on knowledge-sharing, policy frameworks, and financial incentives. These workshops highlighted the importance of legumes in improving soil health, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and creating more resilient farming systems. As a result, the newly developed Legume Policy Recommendations now offer a roadmap to enhance legume farming through market access, research investment, and stronger support for farmers.

One of our key highlights in this issue is the Legumes-Hungary Living Lab annual farmers’ meeting, where participants exchanged best practices and explored innovative approaches to legume cultivation. In addition, a special cooking and tasting event at Czakó Piac in Budapest showcased delicious traditional and modern legume-based dishes, emphasizing the value of these crops in everyday diets. To further engage consumers, the new booklet, “Chickpeas, Peas, Beans, and Lentils,” has been released, providing valuable insights into the nutritional benefits and culinary uses of legumes.

On the research front, we are excited to share updates from the Nitrogen Climate Smart (NCS) Project, which has reached its two-year milestone. This project demonstrates how legumes contribute to nitrogen-efficient farming by enhancing soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Meanwhile, the UK Legume Research Community (UKLRC) hosted its second annual conference at Kew Gardens, bringing together researchers and industry experts to discuss the future of legume breeding, sustainability, and policy development.

As we continue our mission to promote legume adoption, we invite you to stay engaged, share your insights, and explore the latest developments in legume sustainability. Thank you for being part of the LegumES community—we look forward to shaping the future of agriculture together!

Check out the Newsletter by clicking HERE.