The Exeter Broad Bean

Exeter Seed Bank has initiated a project to develop the ‘Exeter Broad Bean’ which will be adapted to our soils and more resilient to the effects of our changing climate. Holders of over 30 allotments around Exeter have come forward to participate in the project. 

They are growing a mix of broad bean varieties which will open-pollinate, and the seeds they bear will be more genetically diverse and resistant to disease and pests. The initial crop is known as a ‘flock’ and over the next several growing years we hope these beans will mix and mix again with each year to become a ‘landrace’ - a new variety of bean.

In January 2025, Dan Fox of Two Acre Farm gave a talk to our participating growers about his own broad bean landrace, how it works, and tips for growing.

Broad beans are a versatile and wonderful vegetable, which are often difficult to find in supermarkets. Beloved in cuisines around the world, broad beans are one of the first crops which can be harvested following the ‘Hungry Gap’ in the UK.

Over the next few years, we hope to sustain this project as well as celebrate this wonderful vegetable through sharing stories and recipes.

The seeds of the Exeter Broad Bean Landrace Project were planted through funding from the ARC Commission 2024-25.

See our resource page on books about this topic.