Green Broad Bean and Horse Bean, both varieties of Vicia faba (commonly known as faba bean or broad bean), have a rich agricultural history dating back to ancient times. Originating in the Near East and Mediterranean regions, these beans were among the earliest domesticated crops, with archaeological evidence showing their cultivation in the Middle East as early as 6,000 BCE. Over centuries, faba beans spread throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia, becoming a staple protein source before the widespread adoption of New World crops. Today, the top producers of green broad bean and horse bean are China, which dominates global production, followed by countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom. These nations benefit from favorable climates and long-standing agricultural traditions, ensuring the continued importance of faba beans in both local diets and international markets.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Algeria | 277,353 |
2 | Egypt | 190,937 |
3 | China | 187,192 |
4 | Poland | 88,500 |
5 | Tunisia | 83,605 |
6 | Mexico | 82,424 |
7 | Peru | 76,823 |
8 | China Taiwan | 72,425 |
9 | Morocco | 72,338 |
10 | Syria | 69,567 |
11 | Spain | 52,130 |
12 | United States of America | 43,687 |
13 | Turkey | 41,162 |
14 | Bolivia | 41,042 |
15 | Italy | 40,510 |
16 | Kazakhstan | 34,280 |
17 | Colombia | 33,708 |
18 | Iraq | 33,354 |
19 | France | 32,480 |
20 | Guatemala | 29,793 |
21 | Chile | 27,508 |
22 | United Kingdom | 26,871 |
23 | Ecuador | 24,645 |
24 | Libya | 19,672 |
25 | Jordan | 17,443 |
26 | Japan | 14,667 |
27 | Lebanon | 13,706 |
28 | Ethiopia | 11,510 |
29 | Tanzania | 6,693 |
30 | Niger | 6,633 |
31 | Portugal | 5,860 |
32 | Greece | 5,390 |
33 | Uzbekistan | 5,044 |
34 | Netherlands | 4,970 |
35 | Palestine | 3,594 |
36 | Kenya | 3,058 |
37 | Cyprus | 2,710 |
38 | Germany | 2,340 |
39 | Thailand | 2,152 |
40 | Austria | 1,970 |
41 | Brunei Darussalam | 1,730 |
42 | Malawi | 1,454 |
43 | Kyrgyzstan | 1,383 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat