Sustainability of Canadian Dry Bean Production: Pathways to More Resilient Production Systems

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are important components of sustainable diets due to their high nutritional values and relatively low cropping system environmental impacts. As food industries, governments, and consumers increase their awareness of sustainable food production practices, there is an opportunity for the Canadian dry bean sector to enhance its position as an environmentally sustainable plant food and protein source. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the sustainability characteristics of Canadian bean production and identifies research opportunities that can be addressed to better position the Canadian bean sector for growth, in a world where producers are expected to meet the challenge of increasing food supplies for a burgeoning human population through sustainable production practices. are important components of sustainable diets due to their high nutritional value and relatively low environmental impact on cropping systems. As food industries, governments, and consumers increase their awareness of sustainable food production practices, there is an opportunity for the Canadian dry bean sector to enhance its position as an environmentally sustainable plant food and protein source. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the sustainability characteristics of Canadian bean production and identifies research opportunities that can be addressed to better position the Canadian bean sector for growth, in a world where producers are expected to meet the challenge of increasing food supplies for a burgeoning human population through sustainable production practices.