Grasspea: feed and field feasibility

This project will evaluate the suitability of a resilient legume currently not cultivated in the UK as an alternative protein source in animal feeds and as a field crop. Field trials will be carried out at normal farm production levels using standard agricultural equipment to assess the practicality of on-farm production and use. The outcomes of the field trials will inform future plant breeding programmes for this innovative crop.

Feed formulation and safety assessment will be undertaken prior to feeding trials within a commercial animal production facility. The outcomes will provide validation of the new protein source, demonstrating its market potential and reducing barriers to wider commercial acceptance.

The project is led by an English farming company, partnered by the John Innes Centre, with support from both a local miller and a large-scale arable farming business.