Perennial Grains Would Provide Major Boost For Global Food Production

June 28, 2010: 02:40 PM EST

It may take another twenty years, but perennial grain crops that are more eco-friendly than annual grains are on their way, according to soil scientists. Perennial grains require less fertilizer, herbicide, and fuel, and cause less erosion, than annual grain cops. All that’s required to make them a reality is the right breeding programs and a few scientific breakthroughs. The scientists published a paper that calls for worldwide cooperation in the development of perennial grains, which would help farmers living off marginal land to expand sustainability. Perennial grains have longer growing seasons and put down deeper roots that reduce erosion, build soil and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

J. D. Glover, J. P. Reganold, et al., "Increased Food and Ecosystem Security via Perennial Grains", Science, June 28, 2010, © American Association for the Advancement of Science

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