Wheat area expansion into northern higher latitudes and global food security
P. S. Kettlewell, Richard W. Byrne, Simon Jeffery
Abstract
Wheat is an important crop for global food security, but it is unlikely that the upper end of future global food demand projections can be satisfied from improving wheat yield on the existing cropping area. Climate warming is, however, enabling wheat to be grown on previously uncropped land at higher northern latitudes. There are numerous problems with growing wheat in these regions, including perhaps most importantly release of greenhouse gases. Research and development of wheat production techniques which minimise environmental damage in high latitudes is needed. • Future global wheat demand unlikely to be satisfied from existing cropping area. • Warming in northern higher latitudes could enable wheat area expansion. • Research needed to reduce environmental damage in these regions.