FIELDS of white, yellow and blue could become a common sight on UK farms if a project aimed at increasing the amount of home-grown animal feed is successful.

Researchers from the livestock and arable sectors have co-operated on a five-year Defra sponsored project investigating whether lupins could become a viable source of home-grown protein in feed.

Such a move could avoid the need to import hundreds of thousands of tonnes of soya to the UK each year.

Feeding trials from a variety of sources have concluded that lupins may be used as a direct replacement for soya meal, thanks to high crude protein (CP) levels of 30-40pc.

The crop also requires relatively low input and could provide UK farmers with a valuable alternative break crop with a defined end market.

Ron Stobart, research projects manager for project partner The Arable Group, said: "One of the most important areas we've looked at is the crop's agronomy - what nutrients it needs, how to keep it weed-free and how it grows in the field.

"We now understand much better how it fits into a rotation and what benefits it can bring to following crops.

"We've also looked at growing it in organic systems, given the opportunity that lupins present to those looking for GM-free protein sources."

The European Feed Manufacturers' Association estimates that the EU livestock industry imports 77pc of its protein requirements and points out that 98pc of soya bean meal imports are from Brazil and Argentina both major producers of GM soya.

The Food Standards Agency warns that the segregation of GM and non-GM crops is not routinely practised by commodity-exporting countries.

A free open day on lupins will be held at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, on March 25. Anyone interested can register by e-mailing Ron Stobart at ron.stobart@thearablegroup.com Alternatively information about the project is at http://www.lupins.ibers.aber.ac.uk.

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