A plate of vegetables that not only nourishes people but also supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and makes our diets more climate-friendly — that’s the goal of a new Dutch research project led by Wageningen University & Research. Backed by nearly €6.8 million from the Dutch Research Agenda (Nationale Wetenschapsagenda, NWA), the project aims to reshape the future of food.
Called REAP2SOW, the initiative brings together farmers, researchers, companies, and civil society to create a more sustainable food system. It focuses on three lesser-known crops in the Netherlands: white lupin, quinoa, and the ‘forgotten vegetable’ aardaker. These crops are not only rich in plant-based proteins and resilient to climate stress — they also help regenerate soil. With nitrogen-fixing roots, lupin and aardaker can reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, further contributing to environmental sustainability.
“With REAP2SOW, we want to do more than just replace meat,” says project leader Wouter Kohlen. “We want to grow a food system that is better for people, nature and farmers – and that fits well within Dutch landscapes. The project therefore goes beyond farming alone. We also look at how consumers adopt new products and how schools and citizens can get involved through field trials, taste testing and educational programmes. In addition, we are working on policy and business models to make sustainable cultivation more attractive.”
Contribution to Climate Goals
Through the protein transition, the Netherlands aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, restore biodiversity, and reduce reliance on imported soy. REAP2SOW advances these national and EU goals for a more sustainable food system, according to a press release.
The project involves Wageningen University & Research alongside the universities of Groningen, Leiden, Twente, Utrecht, and the Jan IngenHousz Institute. It also brings together breeding and cultivation companies like Aardaia, Radicle Crops, and Lekker Lupine, as well as the growers’ association LLTB and the Dutch national sports centre Papendal.
Funded by the Dutch Research Agenda
REAP2SOW is one of fourteen consortia awarded funding this year through the Research along Routes by Consortia (ORC) programme of the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). Each consortium receives about €6.8 million to immediately launch research and collaboration with knowledge institutions and societal partners, aiming to generate both scientific and societal impact.
