Commercializing Kernza
Cascadian Farm is committed to helping create a larger-scale market for Kernza®, a perennial wheat grass, by 2040.
While the modern food system is focused narrowly around the principles of efficiency, productivity, and mechanization, Kernza represents an opportunity to expand our agricultural metrics of success beyond yield to also consider a holistic set of qualities including soil health and prevention of nutrient runoff.
Cascadian Farm is working with The Land Institute to commercialize Kernza, a perennial relative of annual wheat, whose deep roots show promise to increase soil health, carbon sequestration, water retention, and enhance surrounding wildlife habitat. Farmers who produce Kernza don't need to till and replant the crop every year, minimizing disruption to the soil. We’re also working to improve yields and understand the impact of Kernza on soil carbon sequestration.
Limited-Edition Honey Toasted Kernza® Cereal
In April 2019, we launched a limited edition cereal featuring Kernza. All proceeds benefited The Land Institute to advance further research on the burgeoning crop.
Cascadian Farm has always known agriculture could contribute to a healthier planet and has been deeply committed to creating a positive relationship between food and the land where it is grown. Nearly 50 years after our founding, we’re continuing to help shape the future of farming through the food we make.
We also launched www.DeeplyRootedForGood.com to educate the public about Kernza.
Learn more in our Triple Bottom Line Operating Unit Sustainability report
