FFAR Grant Promotes Sorghum Health Benefits
Clemson, South Carolina
Sorghum is a staple cereal grain crop that provides numerous health benefits for humans, pets and livestock. Specific compounds – polyphenols and tannins – found in certain sorghum varieties and hybrids offer health benefits for humans; however, these compounds can also produce negative effects for animals when used in pet feed. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is providing a $846,991 Seeding Solutions grant to Clemson University to study sorghum plant properties that enhance these beneficial compounds in commercial sorghum, while preserving the crop’s dual use as animal feed. Matching funds were provided by Clemson University and Carolina Seed Systems, Inc. for a total $1,721,129 investment.
Dr. Jeffrey Rosichan, FFAR Crops of the Future Collaborative director noted this research is especially important as sorghum is a climate resilient crop that could boost crop diversity to strengthen the global food supply, and increased sorghum consumption would open economic opportunities for U.S. growers.
Clemson University researchers, led by plant breeder Dr. Richard Boyles, are assessing specific substances present in the grain that have beneficial health properties for people and do not cause negative outcomes for animals. Once identified, the researchers will use non-GMO breeding methods to develop new sorghum hybrids that have these value-added properties. The final step will be to measure impacts of the enhanced grain sorghum hybrids on poultry growth, as well as their capability to reduce harmful diseases within the poultry gut.
Boyles also said this research will help establish sorghum as an important tool in meeting the demand for nutritious, affordable, as well as sustainable food and feed.
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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.
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