Policy Brief: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the transition to legume supported food systems

Despite the potential of legumes to improve the sustainability of arable cropping systems and enhance the quality of farmed animal and human diets, the production and consumption of legumes in Europe are low, whereas their demand for feed is high.” This insight, also called a legume paradox, was shared by many stakeholders (approximately 600) from the TRUE project partnership and beyond.

To support the realisation of more sustainable legume-based systems, results from the TRUE policy analysis are formulated as recommendations and collected in four policy briefs to help develop positive, proactive approaches

This Policy Brief on The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the transition to legume supported food systems
addresses the critical need for knowledge exchange and education of farmers in the EU to the benefit of legumes. A transition to home-grown legume supported agri-food and feed-systems in Europe also requires a major, concerted, and strategic effort across the value chain, including the crucial role of extension services.