Summary (1 min read): EBP-affiliates are working tirelessly to sequence Eukaryotic species across the Tree of Life; many are decoding the genomic ‘recipe’ for critical global crops, and sometimes improving the code to benefit humanity. The EBP-affiliated 10,000 Plant Genomes Project, for instance, is improving yields and quality for species of wild rice and corn. The 10,000 Chilean Genomes Project is sequencing the maternal progenitor of the widely cultivated strawberry plant to find protective genes that might improve the commercial strawberry strain. EBP-affiliates, such as the Canadian BioGenome Project, are sequencing invasive insects that threaten local and global strawberry crops, decreasing yields of strawberries and other profitable berry species. The i5k and USDA-ARS Ag100Pest Initiatives are sequencing hundreds of pests, including the corn earworm, a detrimental pest of corn with an increased rate of evolution, making it highly difficult for farmers to control. In-depth research into the evolutionary advantages of this pervasive corn pest has the potential to identify new mechanisms of controlling not only this organism, but also other detrimental insects. In short, EBP affiliates around the world are sequencing commercially important global crop species; these genomes are already enhancing agricultural advancements and yields. We anticipate that rapid access to reference genomes of crop species (and their pests) will provide farmers with more tools to increase their agricultural yields and benefit humanity.