The EFA requirements include three classes of nitrogen fixing crops that can be used: arable leguminous crops, pasture legumes (not in mixtures with grass) and mixed crops of legumes (where all of the crops of a mixed crop are individually considered to be leguminous). For more information on greening, visit the link at the end of the article.
Though there are concerns for this increase pushing prices of pulses down, Mr Bury assures that the overall benefits outweigh what will only be a small increase: "The increase will bring more buyers into the market and increasing demand will bring new opportunities for growers. The price will still have a substantial premium over wheat."
“The major exporters of pulses for human consumption see a growing market. Continuing market growth in North Africa, where pulses are a staple of the diet, is fuelled by population increases of between 1.8 and 2.5 per cent a year.
“The UK, France and Australia are the only three countries that grow beans for human consumption for the Egyptian market. A combination of spraying restrictions and quality issues in France in the last two years means that their acreage is likely to reduce, again offering opportunities for UK growers. UK spring beans always haven seen as premium product over French.
“The starting point for growers should always be the end market and variety choice is paramount. Ideally, growers should aim for the human consumption market as there is a marked price differential between that and feed. Two new spring bean varieties have been recently introduced which give the grower increased yields as well a large seed size ideal for the export market. "