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Protein Crops
The UK is only about 30% self-sufficient for vegetable protein! Although the potential market is estimated at more than 2.2 million tonnes, production from harvest 2006 was just 740,000 tonnes. (Figures courtesy of British Edible Pulses Association)
Protein crops grown in the UK include spring and winter beans, combining peas, and a range of lupin species. The markets for these crops are animal feed, micronising, canning and packet peas, the pigeon trade, and various export outlets.
Domestically grown protein crops are in direct competition with imported soybeans and soya meal for the annual 1.5 million tonnes requirement for vegetable protein, but there are still plenty of added-value opportunities to aim for. Domestic markets for marrowfat peas and the export trade for edible beans have been particularly attractive in recent years.
Nickerson varieties feature prominently in the major segments of this market: field beans for animal feed and the edible trade; white, blue and marrowfat peas, and maple peas for forage use or pigeon feed.
If you have any questions for either our Pea Breeder, Milika Buurman, or our Protein Crops specialist Les Daubney, please send them to enquiries@nickerson.co.uk or telephone 01472 371471.







