2026/01/01 by Christelle Ginot, Erica D. Shoenberger, Valentín Picasso +1 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Bioenergy crop production and management
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/s1742170526100337
openalex created_date 2025/10/08 · openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract Over the past decade, interest, stakeholder engagement, and investment in the cultivation of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) as a perennial grain crop have increased across the Upper Midwest, USA. IWG has been promoted as a multipurpose crop that provides both agricultural products and ecosystem services. Our objective in this study was to describe the current IWG landscape in the Midwest from the perspective of farmers growing the crop, including their objectives, management practices, and the challenges they face. We also examined the concept of multifunctionality within the context of integrating a minor crop into existing farming systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with IWG growers in the Upper Midwest. Results show that, beyond direct agronomic benefits, these growers were motivated by a broader vision of agriculture. Due to its distinctive traits, IWG served as a tool to accomplish various non-commercial dimensions of farming such as environmental conservation, education, and community building, and for fulfilling farmers’ roles as producers, environmental stewards, and citizens. At the same time, the regional socio-technical context imposed strong constraints on IWG production, particularly in terms of profitability and processing. Cropping practices reflected both the influence of uniform technical recommendations and the need for adaptation to individual farm systems and farmer expertise. Overall, this study provides insight into farmers’ perspectives, motivations, and concerns regarding IWG cultivation in the United States.