Perennial Crops: The Future of Farming?

Researchers along with USDA officials are hoping that perennial forms of corn, wheat, rice and other crops will be the future of farming. The idea of perennial crops would help reduce environmental damage and soil erosion caused by the planting of conventional grains. USDA has requested Congress to allocate $1 million in fiscal year 2012 for perennial grain research, which is an increase over this year’s funding. In 2009-10, nearly $1.5 million in grants were given by USDA for perennial grain research. Read more (Des Moines Register).