![](\"https:\/\/irishseedsavers.ie\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kiera-and-Emily-St-Josepgs-Tulla-Students-1500x2000.jpg\" "\\"Kiera")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Irish Seed Savers are thrilled to wish Kiera Kelly and Emily Cronin, students from St. Joseph\u2019s Secondary School, Tulla, the very best of luck at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition taking place at the RDS Dublin from January 9th to 16th.<\/p>\n
The journey began in early September when Science Teacher Mairead O\u2019Brien reached out to Irish Seed Savers to explore a potential collaboration on a research project. We proposed an exciting study focusing on protein levels in a selection of our pea collection. Eight pea varieties, including both Irish heritage and European types, were provided for analysis.<\/p>\n
Kiera and Emily\u2019s project, \u201cPea Power: A Sustainable Protein Crop \u2013 An Investigation into the Protein Content in Organically Grown Irish and International Pea Varieties from Irish Seed Savers\u201d<\/em>, explores the potential of peas as a sustainable alternative protein source. The students carried out a comparative analysis of nitrogen levels in various pea seed varieties, aiming to identify those with the highest protein concentration while examining their adaptability to Ireland’s maritime climate and the interplay of environmental and genetic factors.<\/p>\n The project highlights the importance of sustainable protein crops in addressing global food challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Key Findings<\/strong><\/p>\n Under the guidance of Miryam Amigo Benavent, a lecturer in the Food Science Department at the University of Limerick, Kiera and Emily conducted protein extraction analysis in October at UL\u2019s Department of Biological Sciences. Using the Biuret test and Kjeldahl method, they revealed significant variation in protein levels among the eight varieties.<\/p>\n These findings emphasize the potential of certain pea varieties as high-protein, sustainable alternatives to animal-based protein sources. The research underscores the nutritional benefits of peas, which are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, while also enhancing soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. The key findings are summarized in the\u00a0Pea Project Poster here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Looking to the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n Kiera and Emily\u2019s project exemplifies how science and agriculture can work hand-in-hand to develop sustainable solutions for global food security. Their hard work and dedication are a testament to the importance of youth-led innovation in creating a greener future.<\/p>\n We at Irish Seed Savers are incredibly proud to have supported this project and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kiera, Emily, and their teacher, Mairead O\u2019Brien, for their outstanding scientific research and reporting.<\/p>\n\n