DiPisum – Digitalization-driven development of Saxony-Anhalt into an innovation center for pea breeding, cultivation and processing

Challenges

Peas, as a locally grown protein source, offer great potential for climate-friendly nutrition and regional value creation in Saxony-Anhalt. However, compared to maize and wheat, peas are at a disadvantage: There is a lack of consistent data flows between breeding, cultivation, and processing, reliable process standards for protein extraction, and scalable processes for the food industry. At the same time, there are import dependencies for proteins and untapped opportunities for agriculture and processing in the Central German region.

What is needed is a robust digital connection across the entire value chain – from variety selection and field cultivation to industrial processing. Varieties must be evaluated according to processing-relevant criteria, process parameters must be transparently recorded, and reproducibly optimized. Crucially, digital methods must be used in such a way that the quality, yields, and functionalities of the protein fractions become traceable and can be reliably scaled up to industrial levels.

Objectives and project plan

Fraunhofer CBP develops and validates scalable process steps for enriching pea proteins (milling, screening, fractionating) and produces initial raw materials for food samples. The core of the approach is the digital acquisition and analysis of process and product data along the entire chain – from pure, single-variety starting material to application. The unique selling point is the combination of pilot-scale processing expertise at CBP, data-driven process design, and close feedback from breeding and cultivation. Planned actions include: systematic variety evaluation based on processing suitability, optimization of process parameters based on digital datasets, definition of transferable process modules, and the transfer of these modules to the food industry.

Impact

The project develops a regional pea bioeconomy, strengthens agriculture and processing in Saxony-Anhalt, and reduces import dependencies for proteins. Digital process data creates transparency for variety selection, cultivation practices, and industrial scaling, shortening the path from breeding to product. Applications and areas of use include protein-based ingredients for meat alternatives, dairy-free products, baked goods, soups/snacks, and other convenience products with defined functional properties (e.g., texture, emulsion, water retention). By-products such as starch and fiber fractions can also be utilized for food or technical applications.