The main aim of TRUE is to identify and facilitate successful transition paths to legume-supported production systems in food and animal feed value chains. This is achieved using a series of 15 farm networks and 7 supply chain focused innovation case studies in order to characterise key mechanisms and associated ecosystem services indicators.
The project uses advanced mathematical approaches using Life Cycle Analysis, and socioeconomic and multi-attribute modelling to create unique Decision Support Tools that can assist in identifying optimal transition paths to ensure legume supported systems are profitable from ‘the push’, of production, to ‘the pull’ of upstream supply chains, markets and consumers. The TRUE approach is also intended to inform policy design that promotes the uptake of new farming, processing, manufacturing and retailing practices. TRUEs Pathfinder Decision Support System can guide businesses, scholars, and policy-makers on the factors determining the extent to which legume-based value chains are genuinely sustainable.
Overall, a broader utilisation of the tools is expected to facilitate an increase in the production of novel legume-based products thanks to improved market perspectives and capabilities.
