The mission of Green Lands, Blue Waters is to support development of and transition to a new generation of agricultural systems that integrate more perennial plants and other continuous living cover in the agricultural landscape.

Perennial food, fiber, and energy crops, pastures and forests strategically located on the landscape provide environmental benefits, while maintaining productivity of the land. The deep roots of perennial plants stabilize erodible soils and hold significant moisture and nutrients that might otherwise move into waterways or groundwater. Reduced runoff and stabilized stream banks help to protect farms and cities from floods, while fewer tractor passes contribute less of the greenhouse gases that are a factor in our changing climate.

field of perennial intermediate wheatgrass
Perennial stand of intermediate wheatgrass.
Photo courtesy of The Land Institute.

Green Lands Blue Waters is a consortium of land grant universities and non-profit organizations operating in the central United States, from the Upper Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico, centered on the Mississippi River Basin. We have a Mid-America regional focus, but reach globally to learn from the experts everywhere and, in turn, to share our success and to advance adoption of sustainable agricultural systems worldwide.

Journal Articles:

J.D. Glover, et al. 2010. Harvested perennial grasslands: Ecological models for farming’s perennial future. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 137, 1-2.

N. Jordan, et al. 2007. Sustainable development of the agriculture bio-economy. Science 316: 1570-1571.


Wes Jackson and Jerry Glover looking at perennial grass roots
Jerry Glover (left) and Wes Jackson (right) examining roots of perennial grasses.
Photo by Jim Richardson of Small World Gallery; provided courtesy of The Land Institute.

The changes in agriculture we envision will achieve these environmental improvements, while maintaining production and farm profitability, creating local jobs, strengthening communities, increasing food security, and enhancing human and animal health. The most environmental benefits will likely be seen where several perennial species are grown together, either in the same field or in adjacent fields or strips, mimicking the native vegetation of the place.