Sucrose is the sugar of global commerce. It is synthesized in most plants as a transport and temporary storage product, typically converted to starch for long-term storage. In sugar beet and sugarcane, sucrose accumulates, providing nearly all edible sugar. Productions of cane and beet sugar differ. Sugarcane is a tropical, perennial, C4 grass, whereas sugar beet is a temperate, biennial, C3 broad leafed plant. Over 100 countries produce sugar beets, sugarcane, or both. Approximately 160 million tons of sugar is produced annually, for direct consumption, and for conversion to ethanol and chemical feedstocks. Both crops rely on breeding and agronomic research for sustainable production.