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Wiesbaden (dpa / lhe) - In Hesse, the cultivation areas for protein crops such as peas or soy have grown in recent years.
More and more of these legumes are being grown in Hesse, said Environment and Agriculture Minister Priska Hinz (Greens) in Wiesbaden on Wednesday.
"In this way, Hessen can increasingly meet its needs itself."
The cultivation of legumes alone has increased fourfold since 2015 to 14,700 hectares.
In 2020, pulses were grown on 60 percent more areas than in the previous year.
The promotion of the country is having an effect, said Hinz.
According to the ministry, Hessen promotes the cultivation of legumes with various programs.
They are produced in Hesse, GMO-free, long delivery routes are eliminated and regional agriculture is being strengthened.
According to the ministry, the plants are mainly used as animal feed, with pulses increasingly ending up on people's plates.
"As more and more consumers buy vegetarian and vegan products, the cultivation of legumes is becoming more important for human nutrition," said Hinz.
Domestic production also prevents rainforests from being cleared for soy plantations in other countries.
Legumes could also save nitrogen fertilizers.
"So they are an important contribution to more climate protection."
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"Protein initiative" of the state of Hesse