The cool season food legumes are important in the nutrition of populations, and livestock in many countries and play a valuable role in agricultural rotations improving the yields of other succeeding crops. This volume contains papers presented at the Third International Food Legume Conference which reviewed the most recent research on these legumes and directly link this research to utilization and marketing. The contributors have considered the factors which are affecting the continuing success of these crops. The volume should be of interest to all persons seeking a comprehensive coverage of the grain legume industry, from researchers wishing to know of the most recent developments through to commodity traders wishing to follow changes in pulse marketing. Topics reviewed include international and regional production, improving yields and quality by breeding and cultural practices, prospects for improvement using gene technology, the status and use of the germplasm of the species, overcoming biotic and abiotic stresses, the value of the legumes in the nutrition of humans and animals, alternative uses following processing, and important considerations in trade and marketing.