Legumes and grain legumes (beans, peas, and clover, among others) have unique properties that help to restore the vitality of the soil through the addition of biologically fixed nitrogen. When introduced into a regular crop rotation, they can also break the development cycles of diseases, pests, and weeds, reducing the need for pesticides. Legumes not only make organic and agroecological farming more viable, they are an essential part of sustainable systems. For consumers, they provide proteins, amino acids, energy, fibre, and micronutrients, and can help to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Despite the numerous benefits, grain legumes are currently under-represented in European agriculture and produced on only 1.5% of the arable land. Their consumption has been divided by four in 20 years. As a result, small farmers struggle to make money from them, even with value-added products.
A large number of issues will be addressed around this core topic during the Month of Agroecology through: several webinars, Interviews with key experts, share of articles and videos in order to exchange, learn and build together the future of more sustainable farming and food systems.
Why an agroecology month?
There is a clear momentum in favor of agroecology in Europe today. A scientific consensus seems to be emerging at the international level, and we are more and more citizens, farmers and researchers promoting agroecology as a desirable, viable and realistic transition path.
Would you like to share your inspiring content and projects on one of the principles? We would love to make this Month of Agroecology a space to share knowledge in our community! Send your suggestions by email to elena.ambuhl@agroecology-europe.org and secretariat@agroecology-europe.org