top of page
NEWS.png

USDA Funds Unique Organic Corn Breeding Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a grant of $2 million to the University of Illinois (U of I) to fund a research program for breeding organic corn.

Historically, farmers have not had a wide range of choices when it comes to organic corn varieties, however some of the top genetic lines have been developed at the U of I. Two distinct traits that this program will focus on achieving are nutrient efficiency and nitrogen efficiency.

This program is unique in that it involves players from along the value chain - including farmers who will conduct on-farm trials and test maize germplasm, and consumers who will provide feedback on the quality of the organic corn and the food products made from them such as corn bread and tortilla chips. This integration of the entire supply chain into one project will give researchers a better view of how to develop cultivars that meet market demands.

More on this story

NeverStop - 650x85.jpg
CPM Logo Image
LECO Ad Image
MOSOY-NovDecJan-1000 x825-02.png
UA News Subscribe Image

CONTRIBUTE

Contact Lynda Kiernan-Stone,

editor of Unconventional Ag News, to submit a story for consideration: 
lkiernan-stone@highquestgroup.com

bottom of page