"With the Earth's cropland quickly eroding, a shift to perennials is needed for a sustainable food supply." https://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/08/2011830121934943749.html Does this sound familiar?
I'm not sure I'd agree with the part you've quoted, necessarily. For instance, I think the article is spot on: over reliance on grain and broadacre soil-depleting agriculture is problematic and needs to shift soon (if not now). However, I'd assert it's entirely possible to create spaces and agriculture that doesn't use perennials and isn't as sol destroying as what's described in the article. Essentially, I think there's a small false dichotomy established in the article!
Yes, I quoted the title and tag line so as not to misrepresent the article for anything other than Al Jazeera wanted. And I agree with you. Annual pasture grasses can create and improve soil when managed 'differently', for example.