The 68th UN General Assembly declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The IYP aims to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition.
The Year brings a unique opportunity to encourage connections throughout the food chain that will better utilise pulse-based proteins, further global production of pulses, better utilise crop rotations and address the challenges in the trade of pulses.
Australia is playing its part with ambitious and innovative ideas to draw attention to an industry that has recently come of age in our country.
The Australian IYP Committee has formulated plans and directed activities under internationally-agreed themes. The focus is on raising Australia’s profile as a producer of quality pulses while increasing the domestic consumption of pulses to meet the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council’s recommendation for all Australians to “eat legumes at least two to three times a week”.
The national Australian Signature Pulse Dish Competition drew over 60 excellent entries from around the country. On June 29 last year judges narrowed the field to six finalists and IYP Australian advocate Simon Bryant announced the competition winner at the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne on July 29. The winning dish was Alison Victor’s Quinoa, Black Lentil & Roasted Barley Salad with Chickpeas, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts and Pomegranate in Apple Cider Vinegar. Yum!
To view recipes submitted as part of the competition: www.glnc.org.au/iyp/recipes
