General information

Pea is a globally important cool-season legume crop that is produced worldwide as both dried seeds or in fresh vegetable form (green peas), predominantly in temperate regions. The vast majority of peas cultivated around the world are classified as Pisum sativum L.

Peas as a commodity are utilized in a variety of different forms. They feature as both arable crops where the seeds are grown to maturity (dried seed) and in a range of vegetable crops where the immature seeds or edible podded types are harvested as fresh produce.

Worldwide, there are approximately 100,000 pea accessions stored in various genebanks, of which around 58,000 might be unique. There are over 130 institutions holding Pisum germplasm, however 80% of these are held in 13 large collections. A global strategy for the ex-situ conservation and use of peas was published in 2023. This strategy identifies key players in pea conservation, and suggests a plan with four priority activities to implement the strategy.