Role of forage legumes and constraints for forage legume seed production in Mediterranean Europe

This paper briefly describes the role of pasture and forage legumes in the farming systems of
Mediterranean Europe. The present situation of the annual and perennial forage legume seed market is analysed.
The major constraints for forage legume seed production in southern Europe are discussed and possible solutions
to face the low level of seed production of well-adapted Mediterranean varieties are proposed. The future
perspectives of forage legumes uses and their seed production in relationship to the need for economic and
environmental sustainability are also reported