The Lupin Revolution: From Aussie Paddocks to China's Farmlands

As the world hunts for sustainable solutions to climate-smart agriculture and plant-based protein, a little-known legume is stepping into the global spotlight: the lupin. Long treasured in Australia and just beginning to take root in China, this high-protein, soil-healing seed may be the agricultural game-changer we didn't know we needed.

Why Lupins Matter

Lupins (genus Lupinus) are a hardy, nitrogen-fixing crop with an impressive resume. They thrive in poor soils, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and offer nutritional benefits for both humans and animals.

With their low glycemic index and high fibre and protein content, lupins are increasingly considered a "super pulse" in sustainable farming circles.

Western Australia alone cultivates roughly 85% of the world's narrow-leafed lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) (Figure 1), exporting much of it to Asia, particularly China. Now, thanks to growing demand and increasing research, both regions are poised to benefit from the bean’s full potential.

Figure 1: (a) Lupin plant; (b) Seeds of white lupins. (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

 The Nutritional Power of the Australian Lupin

Australia’s sweet lupin is unique. Unlike typical legumes, it's virtually starch-free and boasts a protein content of around 40%, higher than most other commonly consumed legumes. Rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, and healthy oils, lupins can improve gut health, regulate blood sugar, and support cardiovascular wellbeing (Table 1).

Table 1: Nutritional and bioactive properties of white lupin (L. albus) (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

Australian Lupin Bean kernels contain around 40% protein—making them the highest among commonly consumed legumes. Their cotyledon cells feature protein bodies 5 to 25 µm in size, composed of about 73% protein dry solids, distributed throughout the cytosol (Figure 2).

Their protein bodies are composed mainly of α and β conglutin, while a special variant, γ conglutin, shows promise as an insulin-mimetic—suggesting a role in diabetes management. This biochemical makeup not only makes lupins nutritionally superior but also opens doors to functional food applications.

Figure 2: Periodic acid schiff (a) and toluidine blue (b) stained sections of Australian Lupin Bean cotyledon showing thickened cell walls of the mesophyll cells [pink in (a), blue in (b)] and protein bodies within these cells [blue in (a), faint translucent in (b)]. (source: ©2023 Sweet Lupin Western Australia Inc.)

China’s Soil and the Lupin Opportunity

Faced with increasing soil degradation and an urgent need for sustainable protein, China is eyeing lupins as a dual-purpose crop—for both soil regeneration and food production. Trials of L. angustifolius in various Chinese provinces show potential, though challenges

Among the hurdles: alkaline soils, sensitivity to temperature extremes, and diseases like anthracnose (Figure 3a) and phomopsis blight (Figure 3b) damage stems and lower seed quality, and root rot can kill the plants (Figure 4c).

Figure 3: (a) Anthracnose, (b) Phomopsis stem blight (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

Figure 4: (a) White rot of lupins, (b) Rust, (c) Root rot. (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

 However, Chinese researchers are rising to the occasion—sequencing genomes, mapping genetic diversity, and studying phosphorus adaptation to improve local varieties.

Despite these challenges, China already accounts for 34% of global lupin imports and is positioning itself to scale domestic production through policy, biotech, and education.

Going Global: Australia’s Lupin Leadership

To promote its agricultural crown jewel, Australia has launched aussielupins.org.au, a one-stop hub supported by the Sweet Lupin Association of Western Australia, the DPIRD (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), and the Future Drought Fund. The website is brimming with recipes, nutritional data, and scientific research aimed at farmers, chefs, and health-conscious consumers alike.

With its sandy soils, ideal climate, and research-backed approach, Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the world in lupin innovation—whether as food, livestock feed, or soil-enhancing green manure.

Lupins are grouped into Old World species (like L. albus, L. angustifolius, and L. luteus) and New World varieties (L. mutabilis, L. polyphyllus), with their genetic diversity centered around the Mediterranean and Andean regions (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Groupings of Lupins based on the origin and centre of diversity (Wolko et al., 2010). (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, global lupin cultivation covered almost 1 million hectares in 2022, producing approximately 1.645 million metric tons (Figure 6). 

Figure 6: Production of Lupins by countries in 2022 (FAOSTAT, 2023). (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

Although lupins accounted for only 0.3 % of global legume output from 2012 to 2022, production has climbed steadily—up 38 % between 2018 and 2022—suggesting rising demand. Australia leads this growth, with Poland, Russia, and Spain trailing, capitalising on lupins’ ability to flourish in sandy, acidic soils where the crop also serves as green manure, fodder, and an erosion-controlling soil improver (Figure 7). 

Figure 7: Proportion of Lupin production of all the legumes produced worldwide in the A-Last decade, B- Last 5 years e, C- Top 10 producers of lupins in last 5 years. (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)

A Small Bean with Big Impact

In just a few years, lupins have transformed from an obscure rotation crop into a symbol of regenerative agriculture and plant-powered nutrition. Their rise is a testament to international collaboration, scientific curiosity, and a growing global appetite for sustainable solutions.

Whether you’re in Beijing or Perth, lupins represent a smarter way to feed the future—one bean at a time.

Concluding Comments from Samso

At Samso, we see the lupin story as a powerful example of how smart science, sustainable agriculture, and international collaboration can converge to create real-world impact. Australia's leadership in lupin cultivation—backed by robust research, supportive policy, and global partnerships—offers a blueprint for how underutilised crops can unlock value far beyond their local roots.

China’s exploration into lupin farming underscores a broader trend: the search for climate-resilient, protein-rich crops that regenerate soil and support food security. While the momentum for growing lupin in China is undeniable, it is another thing to deny the natural flow of biology. Re-creating the environment to add nutrients or to create a lack of nutrients required for lupin growth is not an easy task.

As much as the growth in understanding for lupin in China is undeniable, it is equally unrealistic to think that the creation of a soil chemistry that will allow the perfect growing environment will be created. Nature does not work that way. The unique nature of the lupin chemistry as a plant is challenging enough. It like the mineral commodity, one cannot simply recreate the mineral deposits.

You can create chemicals to eliminate pests but to change the soil chemistry for growing a commercial acreage is another phenomenon to overcome. One could argue that you could glasshouse the planting process but the business of lupin is a large acreage scale business. The cost to achieve this process would seem to be a high barrier to creating an economical produce.

Here are some key points to consider if one is to consider using greenhouses to grow lupins:

Initial Investment: Setting up a glasshouse facility can be a significant initial investment.

Energy Costs: Heating and cooling glasshouses can be energy-intensive, potentially increasing operating costs.

Lupin Species: Different lupin species have varying growth requirements, so understanding the specific needs of the chosen variety is crucial.

In todays technological ability to conceive almost "anything", I agree that anything is possible but in business, the first mover advantage is generally the key to positioning yourself in the market. The ability for the Australian market to consolidate itself to be a lupin market leader will be critical.

The Business of Lupin

According to Global Market Insights (GMI), the Lupin Market was valued at USD 89.9 million in 2023 and is expected to achieve a CAGR of over 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. Currently, the global search for a sustainable source of food source is at the forefront of developing nations.

Figure 8: The Lupin market Analysis. (source www.gminsights.com)

The current thinking is that the search for a plant based protein is the key as consumers become more health-conscious and seek nutritious and sustainable food options, interest in plant-based proteins like lupin is increasing.

As we have described, lupin is rich in protein, fiber, and various nutrients while being low in fat and carbohydrates, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers. It is naturally gluten-free and not a common allergen, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies to other common allergens like soy or nuts. With the rising awareness of food allergies and intolerances, there is a growing demand for allergen-friendly food ingredients like lupin.

The current understanding of the lupin market and the concept of lupin as a powerhouse business may be lost to investors in the ASX, in our opinion, lupins are not only a strategic export crop but a symbol of agricultural innovation at its best. At Samso, we believe this legume’s journey is just beginning—and we’re excited to watch it unfold across farms, food systems, and future markets.

According top Wide Open Agriculture, the opportunities are just being being to be realised. As usual, do your own research and happy investing.

References:

• Lim, S.J. (2025). Exploring Lupins in China. Legume Research.

• Department of Agriculture WA: www.agric.wa.gov.au

• Sweet Lupin Association: www.aussielupins.org.au

• Global Market Insights. www.gminsights.com/

  
  

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