New RISS group members wanted: processing pulses for human consumption in Scotland

"The group is set to explore the potential of the pulses supply chain in Scotland, the challenges and possibilities, and collaborate to define a project that could benefit the locally grown pulses market"

Are you involved in growing, processing or selling pulse-based products? A newly launched Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) group is set to explore the potential of pulse supply chains in Scotland and associated challenges and possibilities, and collaborate to define a project that could benefit the locally-grown pulses market.

The first meeting of the group will be held online on Friday 4^th September 2020 (10 am to 12 pm) to investigate ideas around how to best supply the market for human-edible pulses and pulse products with Scottish produce, from farm to customer and the steps in between, based on individual experiences, by identifying:

• Opportunities and barriers for the further development of a sustainable, local pulse supply chain in Scotland
• Desirable pulse-based products and associated processing requirements
• Market and consumer demands.

Dr Ali Karley, an agroecologist at the James Hutton Institute, said the first meeting of the group will discuss pulse-related topics, and based on the ideas generated by this first meeting, the group will decide which topic it will work on in the coming months, what actions will be taken, and its direction. 

Anna Allamand (Soil Association Scotland) will be the group facilitator and will help the group to define challenges and opportunities, and explore solutions; investigate alternatives; and, in a final stage, help progress the ideas to where a blueprint or grant application can be made to leverage group work into a tangible project.

Meetings will take place online each month, and participants only need to prepare ideas and comments to discuss the topics as they move forward: the “leg work” in between meetings is done by the facilitator.

If you would like to join the RISS group, please contact Dr Karley at Alison.Karley@hutton.ac.uk.