Legumes on our plates!

Seeds are the basis of our food system. Currently, our diet is based on a few main crops, the production of which is often in monoculture and highly dependent on synthetic nitrogen fertelizers and agrochemicals. Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as grass peas, chick-peas, and emmer are considered to have enormous potential for facing climate change and improving sustainable food systems. However, it is not so easy to find these species and grow them in farmers‘ fields. Their seeds must be adapted to local growing conditions and have good processing properties and flavor.

On 7 December, you are invited to contribute to the introduction of underutilized crops by tasting dishes made from grass peas. The independent breeding organisation gzpk and CSS have been working with grass peas in farmers‘ fields for three years and now want to bring this crop into our kitchens.

At 5:30 we will exchange ideas on the role of local seed systems in promoting diversity with various organisations that work with seeds in Switzerland: Tamara Lebrecht (CSS), Sebastian Kussmann (GZPK), Matthias Gudinchet (ProSpecieRara) and Joel Mützenberg (Semences de Pays).

After that, we will have grasspea tasting and other vegetarian dishes prepared by Racines. If you would like to attend the dinner, please register via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We kindly ask for a contribution of CHF 20 for the meal.