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Next Generation Crops

Our Next Generation Crops Challenge Area research produces nutritious, affordable food on thriving farms through efficient crops that increase yields with fewer inputs.

Program Contact

Nikki Dutta
ndutta@foundationfar.org

Development Contact

Catherine Maxwell
cmaxwell@foundationfar.org

Our Research Focuses on:

  • Crop Diversification
  • Crop Resiliency
  • Accelerated Breeding Methodologies
  • Advancing novel, nutritious, profitable and resilient farm crops.

Learn more about our Next Generation Crop’s research goals.

Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals

Next Generation Crops supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 17 global goals to enhance peace and prosperity, eradicate poverty and protect the environment. Specifically, this research bolsters the following SDGs:

Why is FFAR Tackling Next Generation Crops?

In the US, we grow large quantities of corn and soy. With significant acreage devoted to same crop, pests, pathogens and environmental changes – including heat, drought, frost and freeze – can cause dramatic crop losses. Furthermore, climate change allows for harmful pests and pathogens to thrive.

Yet, growing a variety of crops can mitigate these risks, as some crops are less susceptible to pests, pathogens and environmental changes.

Crop diversity creates greater economic security for farmers, offers environmental benefits and can increase food security. Farmers growing a range of crops can sell to multiple markets and supply chains. Some crops can improve soil, filter water and reduce climate emissions. While much of the corn and soy crops are used for energy, animal feed, or exported abroad, crop diversity can increase food crops and food security.

The Next Generation Crops research provides farmers with novel, nutritious and profitable crop options. The research advances breeding technologies and management practices that create new economic opportunities. Ultimately, this research improves crops’ resilience to climate change.

We Pioneer Next Generation Crops Research

Congress established FFAR to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement USDA’s research agenda. Our public-private partnerships match federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment.

Our Next-Generation Crops research uses this funding to develop technologies that benefit consumers, producers and the environment.

Learn more about our Next Generation Crops grants, programs and consortium.

Next Generation Crops Awarded Grants

Fast Tracking Climate Solutions from Global Germplasm Banks

Awarded Amount $5,000,000   
Year 2022
Matching Funders Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Assessment of the Available Literature and Gap Analysis on the Use of Industrial Hemp as an Animal Feed

Awarded Amount $6,972   
Year 2022
Matching Funders International Hemp, University of Kentucky Research Foundation

Multistate characterization of agronomic performance of hemp cultivars, including sterility of new triploid cultivars

Awarded Amount $51,627   
Year 2022
Matching Funders NC State University, Oregon CBD

See all Next Generation Crops Awarded Grants

Next Generation Crops Consortium

The Latest


Insights

As an inclusive organization, we host Insights from thought leaders across for food and agriculture community on DEI. Learn more about their unique experiences and perspectives.

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