HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-03: Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe

I am a senior researcher and currently coordinate the National Chickpea Breeding Program in Tunisia. I have long-standing experience in legume breeding and research, focusing on improving crop resilience to both diseases and environmental stresses. My main work is on chickpea, particularly on resistance to Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt, and understanding the mechanisms behind these resistances. I have also analyzed the genetic diversity of several crops, including chickpea, faba bean, lentil, peas, Orobanche species.

Over the years, our team has released more than 20 legume varieties, we also participated in international projects aiming to reintegrate legumes into Mediterranean cropping systems and enhance the resilience of wheat-legume systems under climate change, working alongside organizations such as ICARDA and IFAD.

Beyond breeding, my team is involved in adding value to chickpea products, developing processing technologies, and creating new food products that highlight their nutritional benefits. This work helps improve the legume value chain, from quality control to commercialization.

I am looking to collaborate with partners interested in Horizon Europe Cluster 6 projects, especially in sustainable agriculture, bioeconomy, and climate-resilient cropping systems. I can bring expertise in legume breeding, crop improvement, genetic diversity analysis, and product valorization. I am open to joining as a partner or contributing to work packages focused on legume crops and sustainable food systems.