Linseed As Opportunity For Increasing Cropping System Diversification and Resilience: The Sic-Oleat Project Experience

The use of suitable crop species and varieties and the diversification of cropping systems are key adaptive actions in response to weather challenges (Hufnagel et al., 2020). In this context, minor oilseed crops have been making their way into our diets and production systems, representing a reasonable choice in helping farmers to increase the efficiency of their food systems and to cope with challenging climate adversities and economic risks. The SIC-OLEAT project aimed to assess the adaptability of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), as source of vegetable oil and protein, to the pedo-climatic conditions of Tuscany Region (Central Italy), with a site-specific approach. Consequently, a 2-years field trial has been carried out in two constrasting environments, representative of the northern and southern coastal areas, respectively, comparing five commercial linseed varieties with the aim to hypothesize production path for the inclusion of this new crop within traditional rainfed cereal‐based cropping systems.