The James Hutton Institute is playing a central role in a major new UK-wide research and innovation network aimed at transforming the role of underutilised crops in the nation’s food system.
The Novel and Underutilised Crop Network (NUCNet), funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UKRI–BBSRC), brings together researchers, growers, food businesses and policymakers to unlock the potential of lesser-used crops. The initiative seeks to position these crops not as niche alternatives, but as vital components of a resilient, diverse and commercially viable food future.
NUCNet will generate evidence, foster collaboration and help integrate a broader range of crops into UK agriculture and food production. It also aims to strengthen local value chains, supporting innovation from field to plate.
The network builds on and complements the Hutton’s existing work across several centres of excellence, including the International Barley Hub, the Advanced Plant Growth Centre and the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre. Together, these platforms link crop genetics, agronomy, nutrition, processing and policy to deliver a more joined-up approach to agricultural development.
Professor Pete Iannetta, a founding member of NUCNet’s Management Board and a research leader at the Hutton, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Novel and underutilised crops must not be regarded simply as ‘nice to have’. They are essential components of our food future. They provide the germplasm and genetic diversity Scotland needs for better adapted crops, while also helping to re‑empower local food systems and food cultures.
“This matters not only for food security, but also for significant commercial opportunities through short value chains, retail innovation, and links to Scotland’s powerful export and tourism industries.”
The Hutton’s research already spans a wide range of crops, from locally bred dwarf French beans and field beans to pulses such as green marbled lentils and black chickpeas. Work also includes heritage cereals like Bere barley and traditional wheats, alongside emerging crops such as Kernza®, a perennial grain. These projects are being developed in collaboration with partners including Scottish island crofters, The Gaia Foundation, Scotland The Bread and The Land Institute in the United States.
NUCNet will host workshops, stakeholder events and farm open days, while offering members opportunities to shape research priorities and build partnerships. Small grants will support pilot projects and early-stage teams, while early career researchers will benefit from tailored development opportunities, including conference participation and research exchanges.
Interest in crop diversity is increasing as agriculture responds to climate change, supply chain disruption and shifting consumer diets. Expanding the range of crops grown and processed domestically is seen as key to improving resilience, supporting healthier diets and opening up new markets for rural economies.
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Scotland is particularly well positioned to benefit, with its strong heritage in grains, pulses and locally adapted crops offering opportunities to connect provenance, sustainability and innovation.
By bringing together scientific expertise with the knowledge of growers, crofters, food producers and communities, NUCNet aims to turn crop diversity into practical, scalable solutions for the future of food.
