The Protéi'Sol addresses critical challenges in protein crop production and aims to reconnect plant and animal production systems at a territorial level. The project began in 2024 and is now underway.
According to the French Ministry of Territories, Ecology, and Housing, soybean cultivation is a significant driver of deforestation, particularly in South America. Globally, the vast majority of produced soy—approximately 77%—is used for animal feed, while only 19.2% is destined for direct human consumption, and 3.8% for industrial uses such as biodiesel and lubricants.
Protéi’Sol directly addresses this issue by promoting the local production of protein-rich crops, reducing dependency on imported soy and its associated environmental impact. By encouraging the integration of legumes into crop rotations, the project enhances soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration while offering sustainable and economically viable alternatives for animal feed within regional supply chains.
In medium, and long term, it generates economic, social, and environmental benefits, engaging local stakeholders, generating technical knowledge, and contributing to public policies on plant-based proteins and agricultural sustainability.
Protéi'Sol is coordinated by Earthworm Foundation and brings together key agricultural and food system stakeholders including Groupe NORIAP (agricultural cooperative), Terres Inovia (technical expertise & agronomic research), Novial (NORIAP’s feed manufacturing subsidiary) and Industrial & Retail Partners (Nestlé-Purina, Lidl France, Auchan, Groupement Mousquetaires). The project receives financial support from the European Union and the Hauts-de-France Region.
The Hauts-de-France region is strategically selected because:
It is a leading agricultural zone in France for protein crop cultivation (45,000 ha).
Farmers here face strong economic and agronomic barriers to increasing legume production.
The region has existing research & industry partnerships that can support sustainable protein production.
Declining Legume Production & Technical Barriers
Farmers face yield instability, lack of technical knowledge, and insufficient research on legume varieties adapted to local conditions.
Current rotations favor high-value crops like sugar beets and potatoes, making legumes less attractive.
Economic Constraints & Market Risks
Farmers do not have secure contracts or price guarantees for legume production.
The cost of local protein crops is not competitive with imported soy, limiting farmer adoption.
Climate & Environmental Pressures
Soil degradation & fertility loss are major concerns in the region.
Farmers struggle to reduce synthetic fertilizer use while maintaining productivity.
The region has been severely impacted by extreme weather events in 2023 (droughts, floods), increasing climate vulnerability.
Lack of Coordination Between Supply Chain Actors
Farmers, feed manufacturers, and retailers operate in silos, making it difficult to scale up local protein supply chains.
There is limited knowledge-sharing between farmers, cooperatives, and industry players.
The project is based in Hauts-de-France, with a focus on:
These zones were chosen based on:
Strong research collaboration with Terres Inovia
Environmental Features & Challenges
The project focuses on training 30 farmers and 6 NORIAP technicians to integrate legumes into crop rotations, thereby improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on imported soya.