 However, it may benefit from an "explosion in popularity of so-called ancient grains" reported in the years 2009–2014.In 2017, world production was 3.8 million tonnes, led by Russia with 40% of the world total, followed by China with 38% and Ukraine with 5%.Buckwheat is currently being studied and used as a pollen and nectar source to increase natural predator numbers to control crop pests in New Zealand.