Action Plan

Despite their benefits, Mediterranean legumes remain underutilized due to fragmented research and low market visibility. In 2025, with support from CIHEAM and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the BEANS Meta Network was launched to bridge policy and practice. The network focuses on cultivar improvement, nutrition, and climate-smart agriculture.

Backed by a broad international coalition, BEANS aims to integrate pulses into regional food policies. Its core goal is to position crops like chickpeas and lentils as regional public goods that drive sustainability, rural prosperity, and the preservation of Mediterranean agricultural heritage.

Download the Action Plan: https://www.ciheam.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BEANS-Action-Plan-2026-09012026.docx-1.pdf