$3M Grant Funds Cover Crop Breeding for Organic Farmers

Oct 13, 2021

A Cornell University-led national network of scientists and farmers is developing new varieties of cover crops that are better adapted to local regions and stressors – changes that could carry a bevy of long-term and sustainable benefits for organic growers.

The research has been made possible thanks to a three-and-a-half year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

“Since the development of scientific plant breeding in the 20th century, most of the investment has been in a few major cash crops like corn and soybeans, and in high-value vegetable and fruit crops,” said Virginia Moore, the grant’s principal investigator and an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“Very little has been invested in ecosystem service crops, like cover crops, that have huge benefits,” Moore said.

In addition, farmers lack information about how cover crops perform in their areas and which varieties may best suit their needs.

Cover crops are often grown in crop fields during off-seasons, where they suppress weeds, improve soil and water quality, supply nitrogen, and provide resources for beneficial insects, including pollinators.

The grant includes a network of partners that span the country, including farmers and researchers from multiple universities, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Centers. Within the network, university and government breeders, agronomists and weed specialists will develop cover crops on research and farm sites to improve such qualities as weed suppression, early vigor, increased biomass, winter hardiness, seed yield, disease and insect resistance, soft and non-shattering seed and early flowering.

In collaboration with organic farmers and seed companies, the network is focused on breeding new varieties of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), winter pea (Pisum sativum), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) and cereal rye (Secale cereale).

For hairy vetch, winter pea and crimson clover, the current grant continues breeding efforts that began in 2015, with funds from previous grants from NIFA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. By the end of this current grant, the network hopes to release new varieties of these cover crops. The new funding will also support development of a cereal rye breeding program by 2025.

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Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.