Mr. Birger Eriksen: Challenges and opportunities in the cereal and pulses subsector in Europe

In the case of grains, geopolitical risks continue to increase pressure on the food value chains to increase domestic production and reduce the EU’s dependency on sources that are perceived as risky and minimise the amount of inventory held by the supply chains.

For example, the situation in Ukraine affected exports of grain to different global markets due to the disruptions of commodities export through the black sea. Alternative routes had to be sought through the Baltic Sea which created a great deal of difficulties and uncertainties for farmers and breeders.

Concerning protein crops, we see two trends – on the one hand, the need for better self-sufficiency in Europe as a counterweight to imports of soy with deforestation risk, and on the other hand, a trend towards higher usage of protein crops such as peas and field beans to produce protein isolates and other products for the fast-growing market for plant-based foods.

Further on, climate change brings about variabilities such as the increased frequency of droughts, flooding and prolonged rains, which led to delayed sawing in most parts of the EU. There is also an increase in pests and disease pressure due to warmer seasons. All these factors have an impact on food production in the EU. In addition, limiting the emission of greenhouse gases and the carbon footprint of food products in retail outlets remains an area of interest.

Priorities and focus

Plant breeding and developing new plant varieties more resilient to climate change, including drought-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties. The sector should also leverage precision agriculture technologies that optimise inputs, improve yields, and reduce environmental impacts. Plant breeding innovation should also focus on developing cereals and pulses for niche markets.

On the other hand, grain processors should invest in developing value-added products, such as plant-based proteins from pulses, which can open new markets. We should prioritize both traditional traits like yield and resistance—since higher yields translate to a lower CO₂ footprint per kilogram of grain—and emerging traits such as Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) to address nitrous oxide emissions.

Additionally, we need to focus on enhancing biomass production by increasing straw yield for biogas and biochar applications, improving digestibility, and reducing anti-nutritional compounds in peas and field beans to enhance raw materials for plant-based foods. All these areas require urgent attention.

The supply chain

To achieve success, it’s crucial that every link in the supply chain, from breeding, and farming to the food industry, collaborates effectively, and that the legal and policy frameworks are supportive.

There is already recognition of the significant role new breeding techniques (NGTs) will play in achieving our goals. However, in terms of seed marketing legislation (PRM - Plant Reproductive Material), it is essential to establish political support for a robust system of variety testing, listing and certification.

Such a system is vital for improving plant production in a climate-friendly way. It must be flexible enough to accommodate diverse varieties and production methods while maintaining high standards for seeds, which are fundamental to our entire food production. Additionally, farmers need support for innovation, including an effective system for collecting remuneration for farm-saved seed use.