Global Agriculture Has a Planting Problem
Annual seeding cycles have a host of negative side effects, from over fertilization to soil runoff. Perennial crops could help fix all that.
Photographer: Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP Photo
Climate-friendly crops are getting more attention from farmers and food companies as pressure mounts to find sustainable forms of agriculture. Enter Kernza, a new grain that’s already got powerful backers like General Mills Inc. and the support of academia.
Kernza is a wheat-like grain that can be used in breads, cereals, or even served as a pilaf like rice. It’s also a perennial crop, which means it can be seeded once and then grown for multiple years. It helps the environment by sequestering carbon in the soil through its deep root system and requires fewer chemical inputs.