The Midwest’s fertile soils, once the pride of America’s agricultural prowess, are facing an existential threat. Intensive farming practices initiated in the 1850s have led to the loss of one-third of all topsoil in the region. If this trend continues unchecked, experts warn that within 60 years, these lands could be stripped of their topsoil, rendering them barren. Amid these dire projections, innovators like Peter Miller, who co-founded Sustain-A-Grain in Kansas, are seeking sustainable solutions to agriculture’s pressing challenges. One such solution gaining traction is the cultivation of perennial grains, with kernza leading the charge.
**Kernza: leading the perennial revolution**
Kernza is not just another grain; it represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices. By breeding intermediate wheatgrass over several decades, scientists have managed to increase the grain size from sesame to wild rice dimensions. This may seem a modest improvement, but the implications for sustainable farming are profound. Unlike traditional annual crops, kernza does not require yearly tilling or planting. Its deep roots, which can reach over 10 feet into the soil, not only help prevent erosion but also enhance water quality and filtration.
Farmers growing kernza benefit from reduced labor and machinery costs, as the crop can be harvested multiple times without replanting. Additionally, it provides winter grazing for livestock, followed by grain production in the summer. The environmental benefits, coupled with the economic incentives, present a compelling case for the widescale adoption of perennial grains like kernza.
**Global advancements in perennial grains**
The development of perennial grains is not limited to the United States. Around the globe, research institutions and private companies are recognizing the potential of these crops. From perennial rice in China, which has been commercialized and adopted by nearly 45,000 smallholder farmers, to ongoing research in Europe, Australia, Russia, and several African nations, the push for sustainable agriculture is a collective, international effort.
**Investment needs for a perennial future**
To realize the full potential of perennial grains, substantial investments are necessary across multiple sectors. Plant breeding and agronomy require funding to enhance yields and adapt these crops to diverse farming systems. For kernza, each breeding cycle has shown a 20 percent yield improvement, a promising trend that could see its productivity rival that of traditional grains within 15 years if adequately supported.
Developing the supply chain infrastructure is equally critical. Kernza and similar crops need specialized milling facilities and storage solutions to meet consumer demand. Moreover, food science research is essential to understand the processing characteristics and nutritional benefits of perennial grains better. This knowledge will facilitate the incorporation of kernza into existing recipes and the creation of new food products.
**Setting the record straight**
Despite the promise of perennial grains, skepticism remains, with some questioning their ability to “feed the world.” It’s crucial to consider that while current yields of perennial grains may not match those of traditional crops, the trajectory is upward. With continued research and investment, perennial grains like kernza could become competitive, not just in yield but also in resilience to climate change and agricultural risks.
Furthermore, the diversification of crops is a strategic response to the increasing threats of crop failure due to pests and extreme weather events. By expanding the genetic pool of cultivated crops, agriculture can become more robust and adaptable.
As the agricultural industry stands at a crossroads, the push for perennial grains like kernza offers a glimpse into a future where sustainability and productivity coexist. The work of pioneers like Peter Miller and the global community of researchers and farmers is setting the stage for a revolution in how we grow our food, one that could safeguard the precious soils of the Midwest and beyond for generations to come.