While soy is a significant commodity crop, its specific growing requirements and the global dependency on it render it susceptible to disruptions. Over the past year, the supply and pricing of soy have been negatively impacted due to a drought in South America, which accounts for half of the world’s soy production. Cowpeas, including the black-eyed pea variety, are extensively cultivated and consumed; however, they are often categorized as merely another type of legume within the general U.S. diet. This crop, believed to be one of the earliest cultivated by humans, is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa where it is grown and consumed in larger quantities.
In California, farmers cultivating cowpeas reportedly yield between 3,800 to 4,800 pounds of biomass per acre, according to the UC Davis Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program. Additionally, cowpeas serve as a vital cover crop, naturally enriching the soil with nitrogen and potentially enhancing soil quality. Researchers have long explored the potential of cowpeas beyond their role as a legume. A study published in 1996 in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition discussed how cowpea flour could enhance nutrition in various food products. Subsequent research has supported the notion that this crop holds promise as a source of nutritional protein.
However, to utilize cowpeas in this capacity, they need to be cultivated in larger quantities. Achieving higher yields is essential for food scientists and formulators to work effectively with the crop, and ultimately, to increase its prevalence. BetterSeeds, a company planning to test its new variety in the United States this spring, aims to facilitate this process. They employ CRISPR gene-editing technology to alter the DNA of plants, producing seeds with desirable traits. The company has also developed bioengineered seeds for medicinal cannabis, currently under study in the U.S. and Canada.
“Conventional breeding and previous genetic engineering technologies have reached their limits in optimizing crops,” stated BetterSeeds CEO Ido Margalit in an interview with The Times of Israel last year. Food products created through bioengineering—often a contentious topic—are genetically modified and can be classified as GMOs, despite significant advancements in the genetic modification process since the term was first coined in the 1990s.
Given the presence of prominent consumer groups, such as the Non-GMO Project, that oppose bioengineered foods, the genetically engineered aspect may pose challenges for the acceptance of BetterSeeds’ crops. Nonetheless, this may not significantly impact consumer perceptions. According to the USDA, over 90% of U.S. soybeans—and most other commodity crops—are derived from genetically modified varieties.
In light of the increased interest in alternative crops, the calcium citrate tablet price may influence consumer choices in health supplements, drawing attention to the nutritional benefits of crops like cowpeas. As more research highlights the potential of cowpeas as a protein source and their role in sustainable agriculture, the calcium citrate tablet price may become a secondary consideration for health-conscious consumers. Ultimately, the cultivation of cowpeas could play a critical role in diversifying agricultural outputs and enhancing food security.