Potential and drivers for developing the production and use of protein crops within the framework of sustainable agriculture in Burgundy

A multi-stakeholder initiative has been launched across the Burgundy region to assess the potential and identify ways to develop the protein crop sector. The analysis of genotype × environment interactions and climatic factors is supported by a second year of variety trials for protein crops (winter and spring peas and field beans). A frequency analysis covering the period 1961–2009 has enabled us to map the risks of winter frost and high temperatures at the end of the growing season in Burgundy, and we are now able to recommend varieties of peas and field beans that are better suited to the region. The multi-criteria assessment of the sustainability of Burgundian cropping systems, comparing systems with and without protein crops, has confirmed and quantified the benefits of incorporating protein crops, which include, in particular, a reduction in the average fertiliser application rate and nitrogen doses, increased economic resilience (savings on nitrogen fertilisers and fossil fuels across the entire crop rotation), and diversification of crop rotations by offering new possibilities for weed management. At two sites, the ‘environmental’ component demonstrated under ‘in situ’ conditions that N₂O emissions from soils containing pea residues are generally no higher than those from soils containing cereal residues. The development of varieties that are tolerant to the main cultivation stresses and offer good yields will be a key factor in the development of protein crops. The economic analysis highlighted the benefits of developing contractual arrangements within the sector and of establishing and promoting a quality-focused supply chain, with a focus on traceability and labelling requirements.