Under development for decades as an erosion-preventing perennial crop, Kernza, “a sweet, nutty-tasting new grain,” is getting a big boost from General Mills, which intends to commercialize the drought-resistant crop, says the Associated Press. Kernza could appear in cereals and snack foods as early as next year, according to the foodmaker, which encourages other companies to help create a market for the food grain.
The AP says General Mills entered partnerships with The Land Institute, based in Kansas, and the University of Minnesota to promote Kernza, the trademark name for the grain produced by a perennial wheatgrass plant. The Land Institute domesticated Kernza as part of its interest in sustainable agricultural systems. “The institute has been collaborating for several years with the University of Minnesota, where agronomy professor Donald Wyse also tackles the challenges of developing perennials into food crops,” said AP.
Kernza has received favorable attention for years as a crop that does not require annual tillage, reducing soil and nutrient runoff. But there has been only a small market for it. The grain has lower yields per acre than wheat and the grains are much smaller than wheat kernels but have more protein. Last year, a regional brewer began making beer with Kernza. The decision by General Mills to buy a significant amount of Kernza through The Land Institute is “largest major move so far to commercialize Kernza,” said AP.