The Neolithic founder crops (or 'primary domesticates') are the eight species of plant that were domesticated by early Holocene (Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and B) farming communities in the Fertile Crescent region of Southwest Asia. They consist of flax, three cereals and four pulses, and are the first known domesticated plants in the world. Although domesticated rye (Secale cereale) occurs at Pre-Pottery Neolithic B sites, it is only as a minor element with other crops, and rye is not generally considered to be a founder crop.

Cereals

• Emmer (Triticum dicoccum, descended from the wild T. dicoccoides)
• Einkorn (Triticum monococcum, descended from the wild T. boeoticum)
• Barley (Hordeum vulgare/sativum, descended from the wild H. spontaneum)

Pulses

• Lentil (Lens culinaris)
• Pea (Pisum sativum)
• Chick pea (Cicer arietinum)
• Bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia)
• Broad bean (Vicia faba)

• Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Ancient Near East | Farming history | Neolithic