Research Project to Enhance Oats and Faba Beans for Plant-Based Food Innovations

Research Project to Enhance Oats and Faba Beans for Plant-Based Food Innovations

(IN BRIEF) The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and food industry partners have launched the FABulOATS project to enhance oats and faba beans for plant-based food production using advanced genomic breeding technologies. The initiative aims to develop tailored crop varieties for specific food applications, reducing waste, improving quality, and boosting Finland’s competitiveness in the global food market. Supported by Business Finland and major food companies like Valio, Fazer, and Raisio, the project seeks to replace raw material exports with high-value processed products. By employing precision tools like genomic selection and gene editing, the project promises faster and more efficient crop development, advancing sustainable food innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 28-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) has joined forces with key players in the food industry to launch a groundbreaking research project focused on improving oats and faba beans for diverse food applications. The initiative seeks to harness new genomic breeding technologies to develop tailored crop varieties that meet specific food industry requirements. This approach aims to provide Finnish companies with a significant competitive edge, unlocking new opportunities for business growth and export expansion.

Driving Plant-Based Food Innovations

As global demand for plant-based foods surges, and national dietary guidelines advocate for increased consumption of plant-based products, the project addresses the urgent need for high-quality, reliable raw materials. Coordinated by Luke and supported by Business Finland and industry partners, the initiative aims to overcome challenges like inconsistent availability and quality of raw materials currently used in plant-based products.

“Different plant-based foods require specific raw material properties. For example, the oats or faba beans used to make yogurts, bread, or textured proteins cannot be interchangeable,” explains Sirja Viitala, project coordinator at Luke. “Tailoring varieties to suit specific applications can reduce waste and ensure consistent quality.”

Leveraging Genomic Technologies for Precision Breeding

The project will employ cutting-edge genomic tools like genomic selection and gene editing to enhance breeding speed and accuracy. These techniques allow researchers to precisely target desirable traits, such as improved taste or processing efficiency, without the extended timelines of traditional breeding methods, which typically take 10–15 years.

“The precision of these technologies enables faster and more targeted development of crop varieties, ensuring the raw materials align with the needs of modern food production,” adds Viitala.

Transforming Finland’s Food Industry and Exports

By developing high-quality, application-specific raw materials, the project aims to strengthen Finland’s position in the global food market. While Finland already exports significant quantities of oats—nearly 450 million kilos in 2023—the shift toward exporting highly processed products could greatly enhance economic value and competitiveness.

Saara Pöyri, VP of Technology and Product Development at Valio, highlights the transformative potential of the collaboration: “Understanding the genetic and seasonal differences in oats and faba beans will revolutionize how we create high-quality, consistent food products. Through our partnership with Luke, Boreal, and leading food companies like Fazer and Raisio, we’re building a fully controlled value chain from field to table.”

Project Partners and Scope

The Functionality and Quality-Enhanced Faba Beans and Oats for the Food Industry (FABulOATS) project is part of Valio’s Food 2.0 program and is co-funded by Business Finland, Luke, and prominent food industry players. Key collaborators include Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd, Valio Oy, Karl Fazer Ab, Viking Malt Oy, Ravintoraisio Oy, Vaasan Oy, and MTK (Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners).

Genomic Breeding Technologies: A New Frontier

The project will utilize advanced genomic tools, such as DNA-based selection and CRISPR gene editing, to accelerate crop improvement. While these methods remain under GMO regulatory frameworks, potential EU policy changes may soon align gene-edited plants with conventionally bred crops, paving the way for broader adoption.

This research initiative exemplifies how collaboration and innovation can drive sustainable solutions, supporting both the food industry’s growth and the shift toward a more plant-based diet.

Media Contact:

Saara Pöyri
Valio
saara.poyri@valio.fi

Sirja Viitala
LUKE
sirja.viitala@luke.fi

SOURCE: Valio Ltd