Research Approach
The aim of CFF's research is to enhance the development and production of currently underutilised crops, by delivering evidence, knowledge and prototypes of value-added products for public and commercial good. To further this aim, CFF will be responsive to societal demands and open to collaboration and partnerships.
CFF research will focus on key societal challenges of food and nutritional security, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change, the sustenance of biodiversity and the development of the bioeconomy to promote human livelihoods. CFF has a food system approach that adds value along the whole food chain.
Our Vision
To be a world leader producing excellent, innovative research on underutilised crops that is responsive to societal demands.
Research Objectives
Current Research Projects
EU H2020 LANDSUPPORT 2018-2022
A project focused on developing an integrated web-based decision support system for agriculture and environmental planning.
Learn MoreEU H2020 RADIANT 2021 – 2025
Realising Dynamic Value Chains for Underutilised Crops, focusing on creating sustainable agricultural systems through crop diversification.
Learn MorePlant Breeders Without Borders 2019 – 2023
A collaborative project to support plant breeding activities for underutilized crops in developing regions of the world.
Learn MoreUniversity of Nottingham Future Food Beacon - BamBreed 2019 – 2023
Focusing on Bambara groundnut breeding strategies and genomics to develop improved varieties for sustainable agriculture.
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Bambara Groundnut Research
The potential of Bambara groundnut as a climate-resilient crop has been the focus of significant research at CFF. Recent studies have examined its potential for the People's Republic of China and other regions, addressing food security challenges.
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is a legume native to Africa that is known for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils. It provides a balanced nutritional profile with high protein content, making it a valuable crop for food security.
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Hemp Research in Tropical Environments
CFF has been pioneering the development of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a crop for tropical environments, particularly in Malaysia. The research includes comprehensive datasets for crop modeling and adaptation strategies.
Hemp offers significant potential for sustainable agriculture and industrial applications, including fiber, food, and medicinal products. Our research aims to optimize hemp varieties for tropical climates and develop sustainable cultivation practices.
View Research FindingsRecent Publications
Crops For the Future (CFF): an overview of research efforts in the adoption of underutilised species
Gregory, Peter J., et al. - Planta 250.3 (2019): 979-988.
View PublicationCulture of Flower Buds and Ovaries in Miscanthus × giganteus
Kopeć, P., Laskoś, K., & Płażek, A. - Agronomy 15.4 (2025): 962.
View PublicationMachine Learning Methods for Crop Yield Prediction and Climate Change Assessment in Agriculture
P. Koushik Reddy, et al. - International Journal of Innovative Research in Science Engineering and Technology 14.4 (2025): 9495-9500.
View PublicationAI in Agricultural Technology: Optimizing Crop Yield Predictions
Ronak R. Mane, et al. - International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Scientific Emerging Research 13.2 (2025): 901-904.
View PublicationThe potential of Bambara groundnut: An analysis for the People's Republic of China
Jahanshiri, Ebrahim, et al. - Food and Energy Security 11.2 (2022): e358.
View PublicationInterested in collaborating?
We welcome partnerships with academic institutions, industry, and non-profit organizations.
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