Scotland could profitably grow 15 times more peas, beans and lentils than it currently does – and moves are afoot to create the processing and marketing infrastructure that will allow these environmentally-friendly crops to proliferate. Pulses are healthy, cheap and nutritious, and offer a substantial benefit to the environment through their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and thrive without artificial fertilisers. However, Scotland does not have a well-established legumes supply chain to support and encourage more growers to escape the cereals rut many have become stuck in. To put that right, six farmers from the south and east of the country are now working with processors, wholesalers and researchers to establish a clear route to market for locally produced pulses, under the auspices of a Soil Association Scotland-led Rural Innovation Support Service group.