General Mills and Cascadian Farms push commercialization of TLI’s Kernza

General Mills subsidiary Cascadian Farm, which specializes in organic foods, will buy an initial amount of Kernza, a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute (TLI), in a large step toward commercializing the wild relative of annual wheat.

"Research has demonstrated that the ecological benefits of Kernza perennial grain for agricultural systems are remarkable," said TLI Lead Scientist Dr. Lee DeHaan. "The length, size and long life of the roots enable the grain to provide measurable soil health benefits and drought resistance while preventing soil erosion and storing critical nutrients—potentially turning agriculture into a soil-forming ecosystem.

Kernza shows promising benefits for soil health, carbon sequestration, water retention and wildlife habitat enhancement, and it boasts a sweet and nutty taste. In addition to Cascadian Farm's plan to purchase an amount of the grain, General Mills will fund studies at the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative on Kernza with a $500,000 charitable contribution.

"Now, 45 years since our inception, we are excited to incorporate the perennial grain Kernza into our foods and our organic farming,” said Carla Vernón, vice president of Cascadian Farm. “We believe in the potential of this grain to make a positive ecological impact. And this helps us live up to the expectation that our consumers have for Cascadian Farm and continue to be a pioneer in organic farming and land stewardship."