The Perennial Grain Revolution: A Sustainable Future for Agriculture

The development of perennial grains, particularly Kernza, is at the forefront of a potential agricultural revolution aimed at addressing the environmental challenges posed by conventional farming practices. Lee DeHaan, a researcher at the Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, has been spearheading efforts to transform intermediate wheatgrass into a high-yielding, sustainable grain crop. This initiative seeks to replace annual crops, such as wheat, which require annual planting and contribute significantly to soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

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The Land Institute's founder, Wes Jackson, emphasized the importance of soil health, stating, “Soil is more important than oil.” His epiphany came during a visit to a native prairie reserve in the late 1970s, where he recognized the potential of perennial plants to build rather than erode soil. This insight inspired a long-term vision for developing perennial grains that could mimic the resilience and productivity of prairie ecosystems.

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Kernza is currently being cultivated in 15 U.S. states, with applications in various products, including cereals and beers. However, its yields remain significantly lower than those of annual wheat, with the best Kernza yields at about one-quarter of wheat's. DeHaan projects that advancements in breeding techniques could enable Kernza to achieve wheat-like yields within the next 15 years. The deep root systems of perennial grains offer numerous environmental benefits, such as improved soil stability and drought resilience.

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The Land Institute collaborates with researchers across 30 countries to explore the development of various perennial crops, including oil seeds and pulses. In Uganda, for instance, perennial sorghum is being developed for drought tolerance, while in Ukraine, Kernza is being tested as a low-input crop amid ongoing supply chain disruptions. The success of perennial rice in China, which now matches the yields of elite annual varieties, serves as a promising proof of concept for the viability of perennial grains.

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Despite the potential benefits, the transition to perennial grains faces significant hurdles. DeHaan acknowledges that these crops are not a “silver bullet,” citing the need for substantial time and investment to overcome challenges related to yield consistency and market acceptance. Current agricultural supply chains are optimized for annual crops, making it difficult to integrate new perennial varieties. DeHaan advocates for a redirection of resources from annual crops to support the development of perennials, rather than outright replacement of existing systems.

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DeHaan reflects on the changing perception of perennial grains, noting that ideas once considered radical are now gaining traction among major research institutions and businesses. General Mills, for example, has begun incorporating Kernza into its products, signaling a shift in market dynamics. The Land Institute's long-term vision aims to cultivate a future where perennial grains can sustainably feed millions while restoring the health of soils that have been compromised by conventional agriculture.

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• “Soil is more important than oil,” — Wes Jackson, Founder, Land Institute

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• “We have to go fast,” — Lee DeHaan, Researcher, Land Institute

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• “a farmer’s dream … a cultivar that is planted once and then harvested every season for several years with a minimum of land management.” — Lee DeHaan, Researcher, Land Institute

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• “Every disruptive technology is always opposed by those being disrupted,” — Lee DeHaan, Researcher, Land Institute

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The ongoing development of perennial grains like Kernza represents a significant step toward a more sustainable agricultural future, with the potential to balance productivity, environmental impact, and economic viability.

The Guardian