Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Lathyrus sativus (Grass Pea) in European Agri-Food Value Chains: A Cross-Country Analysis

Irina Solovieva (), Pavlina Miteva-Bölter, Marija Knez, Ann-Kathrin Bessai, Eleonora Barilli, Nadja Kasperczyk, Marija Ranic, Mirjana Gurinovic, Pedro Jose Luna Casado, Nicolas Alba Morales, Manuel Sanchez, Cyril Tisseyre, Burkhard Schaer and Elena Xoplaki
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Irina Solovieva: Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, 35390 Giessen, Germany
Pavlina Miteva-Bölter: Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, 35390 Giessen, Germany
Marija Knez: CAPNUTRA, Capacity Development in Nutrition, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Ann-Kathrin Bessai: Bioland, Kaiserstr. 18, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Eleonora Barilli: Solintagro SL, Calle Escritora Rosa Chacel 4 Local 2, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
Nadja Kasperczyk: Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, 35390 Giessen, Germany
Marija Ranic: CAPNUTRA, Capacity Development in Nutrition, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Mirjana Gurinovic: CAPNUTRA, Capacity Development in Nutrition, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Pedro Jose Luna Casado: Solintagro SL, Calle Escritora Rosa Chacel 4 Local 2, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
Nicolas Alba Morales: Solintagro SL, Calle Escritora Rosa Chacel 4 Local 2, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
Manuel Sanchez: Solintagro SL, Calle Escritora Rosa Chacel 4 Local 2, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
Cyril Tisseyre: ECOZEPT France SAS, Le Barcelone, Bât. 12, 145 Rue Guillaume Janvier, FR-34070 Montpellier, France
Burkhard Schaer: ECOZEPT France SAS, Le Barcelone, Bât. 12, 145 Rue Guillaume Janvier, FR-34070 Montpellier, France
Elena Xoplaki: Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, 35390 Giessen, Germany

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-21

Abstract: Modern agri-food systems demand crops that are climate change resilient, support environmental sustainability, enhance dietary diversity and appeal to consumers. This article examines the potential of underutilized crops in meeting these challenges. We take Lathyrus as a case study and examine it within the context of European agri-food value chains, with a particular focus on Germany and Spain. The study employs a range of methods—literature review, interviews, field observations, and consumer opinion surveys —to explore its versatility. The findings reveal that Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) offers significant benefits: it is adapted to dry climates and tolerates high rainfall. As a nitrogen fixing crop, it can play an important role in crop rotations, reducing the need for fertilization and providing an attractive alternative for organic farmers. Through appropriate processing methods, Lathyrus can enhance its beneficial nutritional characteristics. Furthermore, it is well suited for the development of innovative recipes that align with modern culinary trends and meet consumers’ expectations across different cultures. To make use of its potential, adaptive cultivation methods and value chain cooperation are needed. Along the value chain, the affordable pricing of Lathyrus -based products and clear communication of their nutritional, environmental, and social benefits prove to be most critical.

Keywords: Lathyrus sativus; underutilized crops; agri-food value chain; climate change adaptation; farming and processing techniques; consumer preferences; nutritional value; sustainable food systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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