Objectives of the experiment:
The SMART PROTEIN project aligns with the goals of the European Farm-to-Fork strategy by promoting innovation in the European food system, encouraging the production of plant-based proteins and the consumption of alternative foods. The project aims to generate a positive impact on the bioeconomy, environment, biodiversity, nutrition, food safety, consumer trust and acceptance.
It integrates all actors and phases of the plant protein supply chain: farmers growing protein crops, processors, distributors, and final consumers.

The Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences at the University of Udine coordinates the research activities of the working group dedicated to the cultivation and production of protein crops such as chickpea, faba bean, lentil, and quinoa. These crops are grown using organic farming methods and agroecological/regenerative principles.
The specific objective is to identify the best commercial or pre-commercial varieties in terms of yield and quality, and to test several cultivation techniques such as intercropping, weed control, organic fertilization, and irrigation.
The research is carried out at nine experimental sites, managed by project partners located across Northern (Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, and Ireland) and Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, and Portugal). The project involves both farms and research institutions.

Activities carried out at the Servadei Farm:
Over the past two years, several varieties of chickpea, lentil, and faba bean have been evaluated. The effectiveness of digital agriculture techniques (vegetation indices from multispectral drone analysis) and irrigation methods applied to these crops have been assessed.
Field trials were visited by farmers during two field days held in 2021 and 2022. The thirty participants were able to observe the adaptability of different varieties to the Friuli region and to share their knowledge and experiences on the cultivation of these protein crops.

Funding:
Project funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Smart Protein Project, Grant Agreement No. 862957).

Project website:
https://smartproteinproject.eu/

Contact:
Dr. Gemini Delle Vedovegemini.dellevedove(at)uniud.it