News Grains
Will oats be the new soy?
Researchers in Ireland and Wales have been awarded €2,7 million to research improvements in oat production under the European Green Deal. Could oats replace soy in the future?
The project is led by University College Dublin (UCD). €2,18 million of the budget comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Part of the Green Deal is, among other things, reducing the use of (artificial) fertilizer and crop protection products. There are also opportunities for oats in the farm-to-fork strategy because the crop thrives in the Northern European climate. The researchers expect that oats could therefore be a good replacement for imported soy. Oats have a unique composition of protein and oil and a high nutritional value.
Robust crop
The research examines which varieties have the best agricultural properties in a system with the least possible use of crop protection agents and fertilizers. Oats already have a natural advantage here due to a low nitrogen requirement and a high resistance to diseases. In addition, research is being conducted into the nutritional value and the health benefits of oats and foods containing oats.
Demand is increasing
The demand for products containing oats is increasing among consumers. It fits in with the general trend of healthier and plant-based diets. With this research, UCD and the other parties involved hope to further develop and expand the market for oats.
The acreage in the Netherlands has been stable in recent years, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands. It fluctuates around 1.500 hectares. Until 1960, the acreage was still approximately 160.000 hectares. Globally, oats account for about 2% of annual grain production.
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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