GREEN SHELL BEANS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FARMS IN MID-ATLANTIC REGION

This project aims to diversify and increase the production and availability ofhigh-quality green seeds for direct human consumption in the mid-Atlantic region of the UnitedStates. Consumption of common bean green shelled seeds is already common in several countriesin Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. Commercial production of dry beans is nonexistentin the mid-Atlantic region. Green seeds from dry beans have great potential to enhanceeconomic sustainability and competitiveness of small and medium-sized farms and diversify thecropping system in Virginia and other states of the mid-Atlantic region. We will study productionof green shell beans and green seeds from six classes of dry beans that are currently grown in theU.S.: Pinto, Navy, Great Northern, Dark Red Kidney, Black, and Cranberry. We will characterizeyields of green seeds, their nutritional composition, and consumer acceptability. Three varietiesfrom each six classes of beans (18 varieties total) will be grown in replicated trials at universityfarms in Petersburg (Virginia), Painter (Virginia), and Georgetown (Delaware) during first twoyears. During the third year, one selected variety from each bean class will be grown at three farmer field locations (two in Virginia and one in Delaware) to demonstrate mechanical harvestingand shelling to farmers and consumers and to provide large samples of green seeds for initialmarketing. We will also conduct consumer sensory tests with green seeds to determine theiracceptability and compare their nutritional quality with green peas, lima beans, and Edamame.