Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 14, British researchers have obtained over £100,000 to develop oat varieties that combine high nutritional benefits with consistent yields. The project, led by the James Hutton Institute, will conduct experimental and on-farm trials across diverse organic systems and environments in the UK. Supported by funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, this three-year international effort aims to enhance oat production for sustainable agriculture.

The new study will identify nutritionally superior and yield-stable oat varieties

Oats rank as the UK’s third most cultivated cereal, following wheat and barley, and are prized for their rich protein, mineral, and fiber content. Their resilience, minimal input requirements, and resistance to diseases make them well-suited for organic farming in the UK and northern Europe. However, producers face challenges with inconsistent supply and quality due to seasonal environmental variations, which this initiative seeks to address through targeted research.

Dr. Joanne Russell, the study’s lead at the James Hutton Institute, emphasized the project’s goals, stating: “The project brings together experts to harness the unique properties of oat, with its low carbon footprint and significant nutritional and health benefits. We will focus on the need to develop robust organic-ready oat cultivars specifically tailored to sustainable organic production and address some of the emerging challenges in food and health security to help secure food production.” The research will prioritize creating oat varieties that thrive in organic systems while maintaining stable output.

Globally, oats are gaining popularity, ranking as the sixth most-produced cereal. In Denmark, they account for 25% of organic cereal production, reflecting their importance in sustainable farming. In the UK, oat production increased by 19% in 2024, driven by expanded planting areas and improved yields. The global oat market is projected to grow by 3.7% annually from 2024 to 2032, spurred by growing consumer awareness of health benefits.

The project underscores the value of oats in supporting sustainable food systems. By developing varieties that offer both reliability and nutritional quality, the initiative aims to strengthen organic farming practices and meet rising demand. The collaboration between researchers and farmers will ensure that new oat cultivars are practical for real-world conditions, benefiting producers and consumers alike.