News

United Nations Names 2016 International Year of Pulse Crop

The United Nations has declared 2016 as the International Year of the pulse crop. “Pulse” is another term for legumes such as dry beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas. These crops are gaining in popularity, not just in the United States but internationally. The word “pulse” comes from a Latin name for “thick soup.”

“We’re working with Pulse Canada and the Global Pulse Confederation to really develop a brand, a recognition campaign that we could launch here in North America and around the world to really raise the awareness about the importance of pulse crops in the food chain for food security and really for the United States for really good health and nutrition,“ McGreevy said.

In 2013, quinoa was named the International Crop of the Year, providing a good platform to promote the benefits it had to offer.

“You know a few years ago no one even knew how to spell or say quinoa and in 2013 they had their international year and it really catapulted them,” McGreevy said. “It was a real catalyst for them to say these are truly super foods.”

McGreevy hopes for a similar reaction from consumers to Pulse crops.

“If we can get that kind of momentum and really have people realize what a super crop these are as well as a sustainable crop for agricultural systems here in the U.S. and around the world it could have a huge impact in terms of increased consumption and increased profitability for our farmers,” McGreevy said.

The campaign wants people to “Eat Clean and Live Lean,” as the pulse crops boast healthy benefits.

“What most people don’t realize is that they can get 10 grams of protein for every one gram of fat in these pulse products,” McGreevy said. “People need to understand these are great foods, they’re great for the environment and they’re good for the planet.”

All of these benefits factor in well while preparing for a growing population.

“If you look at the trajectory of the world population increasing from 6 billion to 9 billion in the next 50 years,” McGreevy said. “We have to produce more food and we have to produce more food sustainably and that’s why these pulse crops are so important.”

AUDIO: Interview with Tim McGreevy (6:08 mp3)

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!