Join the Award-Winning INCREASE Citizen Science Experiment

Registration Opens Soon for a New Round of the Bean-Growing Journey

Calling all pulse enthusiasts, hobby gardeners and curious citizen scientists! Registration for the next round of the INCREASE Citizen Science Experiment opens on 30 October 2025 via the dedicated INCREASE CSA app - inviting everyone to take part in this unique scientific adventure.

Over the past five years, the INCREASE project has inspired tremendous engagement from citizens eager to contribute to agricultural research. The Citizen Science Experiment has even received the European Union Prize for Citizen Science, recognising its innovative approach to fostering agrobiodiversity by encouraging Europeans to conserve and characterise diverse bean varieties.

A Thriving Community of Citizen Scientists
So far, more than 25,000 citizens across Europe have joined the experiment. Together, they have cultivated hundreds of traditional bean varieties, gathered valuable scientific data and grown a vibrant community committed to creating a more sustainable and resilient food system – one bean at a time.

How to Take Part
The experiment welcomes anyone interested in contributing to science – all you need is a smartphone, a garden, terrace, balcony or field, and the motivation to grow six different varieties of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) during the upcoming growing season.

Each new participant will receive seeds of diverse, traditional bean varieties to grow and observe. Using the INCREASE CSA app, participants document plant development, upload photos and record traits, helping the INCREASE research team to study and preserve genetic diversity in Europe’s bean crops.

About the App
The INCREASE CSA app is free to download on all major platforms and available in multiple languages. Citizens can register directly through the app and use it throughout the growing season to log their observations and experiences.

To learn more about the Citizen Science Experiment, read further on the INCREASE website, explore explanatory videos and follow INCREASE on social media for the latest updates and stories from the bean-growing community.

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