In the Bas-Rhin region, a noticeable shift is taking place in local fields as farmers increasingly turn to lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa. Driven by the challenge of repeated heatwaves and persistent droughts, a group of producers based in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, south of Strasbourg, has committed to these crops, which require less water and fewer pesticides than traditional alternatives.
Cédric Steinlé, who pioneered this transition during the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago, noted that the move was motivated by both environmental necessity and consumer demand. He highlighted that these local products were previously unseen in the region, noting that chickpeas, for instance, were entirely new to local agriculture. Steinlé was soon joined by three nearby producers, and together they established the brand "Graines d'Alsace." Operating as a small cooperative, the group now produces over 100 tonnes of pulses annually—a figure that has doubled in just three years—while expanding their range to include red beans and chia seeds.
Beyond their resilience in dry conditions, pulses offer significant nutritional benefits, being high in protein and fiber while remaining low in fat. Environmentally, they serve as green manures by fixing atmospheric nitrogen directly into the soil. However, this year's extreme drought has presented new obstacles. Steinlé explained that the intense heat can cause the plants to abort their flowers, resulting in a loss of yield. Despite these climate-related hurdles, he remains focused on maintaining production to meet the needs of their growing customer base.
The "Graines d'Alsace" cooperative has found success supplying local workplace canteens, hospitals, and producer-run shops. Steinlé expressed hope that pulse consumption will continue to rise, noting that current French consumption averages only 1.6 kg per person per year, a level deemed too low to meet health recommendations according to recent research.
