While soybeans and lupins are essential to the global food system due to their high protein and oil content, cultivation in Denmark has so far been limited due to the cool Nordic weather. Traditionally, soybeans require warm weather and more predictable warm weather conditions than that in Denmark. Recent experiments have shown that soybean production in a colder climate can be possible. The Lupin&SoyFoods project aims to not only look into cultivation of the lupin and soybean in Denmark, but the researchers also want to create high-protein, nutrient-dense food products while minimizing environmental impact. The project focuses on the entire value chain—from the field to food producers and retailers. 

A vision for local plant protein 

“By growing lupins and soybeans here in Denmark, we not only reduce our reliance on imported proteins but also contribute to a more sustainable food and cropping systems,” says Postdoc Leanne Peioxto from the Deparment of Agroecology at Aarhus University Viborg, emphasizing the project’s environmental and climate benefits. Both crops are known for their ability to fix nitrogen, reducing the reliance on nitrogen fertilizers, and thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 

The consortium is exploring ways to optimize the nutritional value of these grain legumes while also reducing the presence of anti-nutrients, which can hinder protein absorption. By refining cultivation methods and processing techniques, the project seeks to produce crops with high protein levels, optimal amino acid composition, and low climate impact. 

From lab to table 

In the laboratory, the consortium will be analyzing the processing properties of lupins and soybeans on a small scale, collaborating with three Danish food producers. “We want to ensure that these crops aren’t just good for the environment—they also need to meet the high standards of food quality and taste, so the consumers will buy and eat them,” Postdoc Juliana T. Martins from the Deparment of Agroecology at Aarhus University Viborg explains. The consortium is also working with two major retailers to assess market potential, aiming to bring locally grown, high-protein products onto Danish supermarket shelves. 

Economic and environmental impact 

The project doesn’t stop with the production, the economy is also an important aspect of the Lupin&SoyFoods-project. The idea is to evaluate the economic feasibility of large-scale lupin and soybean cultivation in Denmark, assessing both the financial and environmental benefits of local production compared to imported alternatives. This holistic approach—considering everything from farm to fork—highlights the project’s aim to contribute to the EU’s goal of increasing protein self-sufficiency. 

By understanding the full scope of the value chain, the researchers hope to overcome the social, technical, and political barriers that have traditionally hindered the integration of legumes into Danish agriculture. 

A greener and plant-based era for Danish agriculture 

Soybean cultivation has long been associated with the Americas, where 85% of the world’s production takes place. Lupin, meanwhile, has found success in countries like Australia and Poland. But Denmark, with its suitable soil conditions for lupins and the increasing viability of soybean cultivation, has, according to the research group, the potential to become self-sufficient with plant-based protein for our food production. 

Climate change and the shifting consumer preferences demand more sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, Leanne Peixoto and Juliana Martins believe this project is a crucial step toward a greener and more resilient food system. “This is more than just a research project—it’s an opportunity to change the way we think about food production in Denmark,” says Juliana Martins. 

More information 

Collaborators: Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University Viborg, SEGES Innovation, Business Academy Aarhus, Department of Food Science at Aarhus University, DSV Frø Danmark A/S, Rhizo-mic GmbH, Saaten Union GmbH, Lê Trang Aps, Linser for Livet Aps og FoodTure Aps.  

Funding: The project is funded by Plantefonden 

Contact: Postdoc Leanne Peixoto, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Mail: leannepeixoto@agro.au.dk (https://www.au.dk/leanne.peixoto@agro.au.dk)  

Postdoc Juliana T. Martins, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Mail: jtm@agro.au.dk (https://www.au.dk/jtm@agro.au.dk)