The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
According to FAO data cited by Sephra Alexander, over half of the world's produce now comes from just 12 plant varieties, a stark decline from the diverse heirloom crops of the past. This reliance on a limited number of commercially viable crops is a significant risk to global food security.
“Today, the FAO estimates that over half of the produce on the planet comes from just 12 plant varieties.”
“Bred and selected to survive our supply chains and look desirable on shelves.”