Perspectives on Perennial Grain Crop Production among Organic and Conventional Farmers in France and the United States

Sandra Wayman, Valentine Debray, Stephen Parry, Christophe David and Matthew R. Ryan
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Sandra Wayman: Section of Soil and Crop Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
Valentine Debray: ISARA-Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
Stephen Parry: Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
Christophe David: ISARA-Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
Matthew R. Ryan: Section of Soil and Crop Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

Agriculture, 2019, vol. 9, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Perennial grain crops are currently being developed, yet little is known about farmer interest in these new crops. We conducted an online survey in France and the United States to evaluate interest in perennial grains. Results show that 57% of the farmers who responded reported they were “interested” or “very interested” in growing perennial grains, whereas 41% reported they needed more information. Respondents consistently ranked “to increase or maintain farm profitability” and “to improve soil health” among the top reasons why they were interested in growing perennial grains. Reasons why farmers were interested, as well as their concerns about growing perennial grains, differed by country and farm type (i.e., conventional vs. organic). More farmers in France than in the United States ranked “to reduce labor requirements”, and more conventional farmers than organic farmers ranked “to reduce inputs” among their top reasons for their interest. Farmers were also asked about integration strategies and management. More farmers in the United States than in France and more conventional farmers than organic farmers reported that they were interested in dual-purpose perennial crops that can be harvested for both grain and forage. Results from this survey can guide future perennial grain research and development.

Keywords: survey; perennial grains; France; United States; conventional farmers; organic farmers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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