In France I Recently Observed Hectares of Sorghum, It Is Drought & Heat Tolerant So Could Soon Be a Garden Crop In the UK.
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Sorghum, a cereal crop known for its resilience to heat and drought, is playing an increasingly important role in French agriculture, particularly as farmers adapt to climate change. France is the leading producer of sorghum in Europe, and the crop’s production area has expanded significantly in recent years. But what about growing it in UK gardens? In my view current varieties aren’t suitable but seed producers are always looking for the next crop and the possibility that the yield could be increased sufficiently to make it suitable for garden production isn’t out of the question. Is it likely? I can’t say but I do know that the range of crops we grow today is very different to what was being grown when I first started my market garden in the 1980s. the trend was however for change and we soon saw many crops never previously considered for UK garden growing being tried. Change can be very fast in times of need!
Sorghum Production and Growing Regions
France’s sorghum production is concentrated in the west and south, notably in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions. These areas, particularly the Aquitaine-Midi-Pyrénées basin, offer favourable conditions with warm, sunny summers and suitable soils. The departments of Gers, Haute-Garonne, and Tarn-et-Garonne are key production areas. The Centre-Val de Loire region is also seeing an expansion of sorghum cultivation as a more reliable alternative to maize in the face of recurrent drought episodes. The crop’s deep and dense root system allows it to efficiently exploit soil moisture reserves, making it well-suited to these climates. That root system is one of the keys for harden production where is will benefit the soil as well as produce a crop.
France’s production is largely for animal feed, with almost 65% of the total output being exported to other EU countries, with Spain being the largest market. In 2023, France produced approximately 293,030 tonnes of sorghum, ranking first in Europe. While there was a slight decline in production compared to the previous year, the overall trend has been one of significant growth in both cultivated area and yields. France also holds a leading position in the production of sorghum seeds within Europe, with a structured industry that ensures the supply of varieties adapted to local conditions. For me it is this ability to produce varieties fro local conditions that holds a lot of promise for the future.
Uses and Benefits
Sorghum grain is primarily used for animal nutrition, particularly for swine and poultry feed. It is a high-energy, gluten-free cereal that can also be used for human consumption, especially in the production of flour for baked goods like bread, cakes, and pancakes. In addition to its culinary uses, sorghum is also used for biofuel production and in the brewing industry. The plant’s versatility and low water requirements make it an attractive option for farmers looking to diversify their crops and reduce their environmental footprint. And the gluten free nature makes it attractive to many people as a potential home grown crop.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its advantages, sorghum production in France faces challenges. The crop’s success is dependent on access to water, and while it is more drought-tolerant than other crops, a lack of rainfall and high temperatures can still impact yields. However, ongoing research and development in breeding programmes are creating new varieties that are even better adapted to a changing climate, with a focus on improving drought resistance and overall resilience. Here is the UK I can see it benefiting from our more abundant rainfall .. and warming climate.
So maybe we shall see sorghum production here in the UK. I certainly wouldn’t discount it and would welcome the additional crop that could be added to my garden!
