Building resilience through crop diversity.
The James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s interdisciplinary scientific research institute for the sustainable management of land, crop and nature resources, is playing a central role in a new UK-wide research and innovation network designed to strengthen the future of food production.
The Novel and Underutilised Crop Network, or NUCNet, is funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UKRI–BBSRC). It aims to unlock the potential of novel and underutilised crops and position them not as niche curiosities, but as essential components of a resilient, diverse and commercially dynamic food system.
Connecting Research, Farming and Food Businesses
NUCNet brings together a broad coalition of researchers, farmers, growers, plant breeders, food businesses, policymakers and community organisations. Its mission is to generate the evidence, partnerships and practical momentum needed to integrate a wider range of crops into UK agriculture, food production and local value chains, according to a press release.
By creating a shared platform for collaboration, the network will help bridge the gap between scientific research, practical farming experience, market development and policy support.
Strengthening The Hutton’s Innovation Platforms
The new network complements and amplifies ongoing research and innovation across several of the Hutton’s centres of excellence, including the International Barley Hub, the Advanced Plant Growth Centre and the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre.
Together, these platforms connect crop genetics, agronomy, food systems, nutrition, processing, commercialisation and policy. This joined-up approach is intended to support agricultural innovation that is better aligned with environmental pressures, consumer needs and future food security challenges.
More Than a ‘Nice To Have’
Professor Pete Iannetta, a founding and Management Board member of NUCNet and a research leader in ecological feed and food systems at the Hutton, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of crop diversity.
“Novel and underutilised crops must not be regarded simply as ‘nice to have’,” he said. “They are essential components of our food future. They provide the germplasm and genetic diversity Scotland needs for better adapted crops, while also helping to re‑empower local food systems and food cultures. This matters not only for food security, but also for significant commercial opportunities through short value chains, retail innovation, and links to Scotland’s powerful export and tourism industries.”
From Heritage Cereals to Perennial Grains
The Hutton’s work in this area already spans a wide range of crops. These include locally bred dwarf French beans and field beans, pulses such as green marbled lentils and black chickpeas, heritage cereals such as Bere barley and traditional wheats, and more novel prospects such as Kernza®, a perennial grain.
Much of this research is being developed in close collaboration with partners including Scottish island crofters, The Gaia Foundation, Scotland The Bread, The Land Institute in the United States, and others working to reconnect crop diversity with community, culture and commerce.
Supporting Local Value Chains
By focusing on crops with untapped potential, NUCNet aims to support shorter, more resilient value chains that can benefit farmers, growers, food businesses and communities. The network also highlights the commercial opportunities that can emerge when crop innovation is linked to local identity, regional food cultures and new market demand.
For the UK food system, the initiative offers a route to greater diversity, stronger resilience and more locally grounded innovation at a time when climate change, supply chain disruption and changing consumer expectations are reshaping agriculture.
