12 - Alternative crops for plant production and the creation of new value chains

Programme manager:

Programme director:

Objective

To harness the potential in crop production for direct human consumption by determining the agronomic suitability of underrepresented, resilient and nutritionally valuable field and speciality crops with potential for incorporating into existing crop rotations and cultivation systems, and (depending on the crop) further processing, and establishing new value chains in Switzerland.

• Specific objectives

  • Define prioritisation criteria for (further) studies of new and underrepresented crops. On the research side, clarify which requirements must be met at different stages to permit a more in-depth study of the crop (variety questions, cultivation technique, plant protection, value added, profitability).
  • Determine suitability for cultivation according to site and soil conditions. In the case of mixed cultivation, the ripening period must be synchronised, and the harvested products must be separated cleanly and cost-effectively using automated processes.
  • Determine the requirement profile for the processing and marketing of each potentially selected crop. Determine the economic situation and marketability, as well as the analytical profile of desirable (antioxidants, beta-glucans, proteins, etc.) and undesirable (alkaloids, mycotoxins, hydrocyanic acid) constituents.
  • The environmental impacts must be considered when determining the potential of new crops (e.g. rice paddies: methane emissions).

Expected outcomes

Alternative crops for plant production diversify the portfolio and thus the economic and environmental resilience of farms. Expanding crop rotations (arable and vegetable production) reduces the risk of rotation-related problems with pests, weeds and diseases. New products increase the value added of Swiss plant production and contribute to a healthier diet. Farm income is diversified. It contributes to climate resilience and helps maintain biodiversity and soil fertility. It also helps to better harness the potential of crop production for direct human consumption.

Projects

Read more