StrahL-practical forum: legumes as the key to a sustainable diet
On 15 July 2026, the final practical forum of the research project “StrahL – targeted strategies for increasing the consumption of locally grown legumes” took place at StartRaum Göttingen. The project explored the environmental impacts, market opportunities, and everyday barriers of legumes. Legumes are a central pillar of sustainable and forward-looking diet are legumes, yet their consumption in Germany remains low. The StrahL research project systematically investigated this issue and, at the event, presented its findings, strategies and recommendations for action to a broader audience. Felix Lücking, scientists at corsus research gUG, delivered a presentation on the environmental impacts of the dietary patterns identified in the project.
At the heart of the discussion was the question: How can legume consumption in Germany be sustainably increased? Practical approaches for policymakers, businesses, and consumers were explored, ranging from target-group-oriented communication to market-based solutions.
The event featured a diverse program, beginning with the presentation of the project’s key findings:
- Who consumes which legumes, and how can new target groups be reached?
- What is the environmental potential of legumes?
- How is the market developing, and which recipes are popular?
- What is the youth’s opinion?
The project team of StrahL (from left to right): Prof. Dr. Jana Rückert-John, Prof. Dr. Daniel Mörlein, Fabienne Erben, Dr. Catherina Jansen, Prof. Dr. Dominic Lemken, Dr. Ulrike Eberle, Dr. Pauline Suski, Dr. Anke Zühlsdorf, Felix Lücking, Sophie-Dorothee Lieke
Following the presentation of the key results, an open exchange of ideas took place at thematic tables, where participants discussed the findings in depth. After the lunch break, the practical forum shifted its focus to target-group oriented approaches aimed at normalising legume consumption. Pathways of strategies, target groups, stakeholders and possible measures were presented. The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring experts from academia, communication, and practice, including Jasmin Mhethawi (Foodblog 15MinutenRezepte.de), Henning Niemann (competence centre organic farming in Lower Saxony), Constanze Rubach – consumer advice center, Lower Saxony und Prof. Dr. Dominic Lemken (project leader StrahL, Universeity Bonn).
In his presentation, Felix Lücking highlighted the ecological advantages of legumes compared to different nutritional patterns. His analysis shows how increased consumption of lentils, beans, and similar foods can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect resources, and promote biodiversity. At an interactive discussion station, Dr. Ulrike Eberle, managing director at corsus research gUG and at corsus GmbH, and Felix Lücking engaged participants in a review of a draft practical guideline on the environmental impacts of legumes. Together, they explored whether the recommendations and findings would be useful in their respective professional contexts.
“Legumes can significantly reduce the environmental impacts of diets. Especially, if they replace animal protein sources, and are grown in Germany,” emphasized Dr. Ulrike Eberle.
corsus research gUG, a sister company of corsus GmbH, is part of the research consortium of the StrahL project.
More about the project StrahL: www.ilr1.uni-bonn.de/en/strahl
contact details:
corsus research gUG | anfrage@corsus-research.de | www.corsus-research.de
