05 May 2021 --- The European Commission’s Smart Protein project is exploring four underutilized crops – quinoa, legumes, fava beans and lentils – tipped as ideal for cultivation on European soil. Currently they are mainly produced in Asia, Africa and the Americas, and imported to Europe. Considered “Orphan Crops” in western agri-food markets, these food sources are flagged as underdeveloped, under-researched and not cultivated using modern agricultural methods. Sourcing outside of Europe is also not ideal in line with a shift toward more localized sourcing.