Our global food supply relies on just twelve plant species for most calories.
In short: Modern agriculture is dangerously narrow, with half of our total calorie intake coming from only three grasses. This video explores the vital role of crop wild relatives in securing our future food supply and the efforts of the Millennium Seed Bank to protect these essential genetic resources.
The global food system is highly concentrated, as 80% of human calorie consumption is derived from a mere twelve plant species. Wheat, maize, and rice alone account for 50% of the calories consumed worldwide. This lack of diversity creates a significant vulnerability; if one of these primary crops were to fail, the impact on food security would be catastrophic.
To mitigate this risk, researchers are looking toward crop wild relatives—the wild ancestors and cousins of our domesticated plants. These wild varieties often possess genetic traits that can help crops survive changing environments or diseases. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the Millennium Seed Bank are actively working to collect and safeguard these wild species to ensure they remain available for future agricultural innovation.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Beyond the Gardens: The Crop Wild Relatives Project
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