Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: We ask the following questions to inform how native perennial plant species might integrate with mainstream agriculture:1. Can native plant species contribute to a future perennialized agriculture, without compromising the genetic diversity of wild plant species, populations, and wild habitats?2. How can domestication of native plant species grown for food avoid our existing agricultural system pitfalls of simplified, narrowed genetics, and reduced resilience?3. Can inclusion of native plant species in a future food supply help internalize economic externalities in the existing human food supply chains, increase nutrition, and help improve the environment and human health?This paper explores a regenerative agricultural future that could integrate native perennial plant species as crops, or in rotations to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water resiliency.And, how a perennial agriculture could operationalize and create lower cost accountability to assure food supply certifications and values for farmers.
Authors: Steven I. Apfelbaum, John Elstrott
Institution: Applied Ecological Institute
Language: English
Topic: Plant and soil sciences
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4320072601