Nickerson SeedsINTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE PULSES 2016
The 68th United Nations General Assembly has declared 2016 the International Year of the Pulses (IVP)
The International year of the Pulses 2016 aims to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production, aimed towards food security and nutrition.
On a global scale, pulses are an important part of the diet for millions of people and for many they are a staple foodstuff and a major source of protein. Lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans of all kinds are grown and consumed in vast quantities around the world. They are also increasingly popular in the UK’s as we embrace different countries cuisines.
So what will IYP mean for the UK? Well, it gives us an excellent opportunity to encourage the production and consumption of our own home-grown peas and beans. We are one of the worlds leading exporters of faba beans, but domestically they are used in animal feed rather than for human consumption. In contrast, many of our blue and marrowfat peas do find their way onto our tables, but increased consumption of peas and beans would certainly improve the diet and the health of the ration.
Over the year, there will be a number of initiatives to promote pulses but we can all do our bit by spreading the word about health and environmental benefits of the increased consumption of UK grown pulses.
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