Developing a Supply Chain Framework for Kernza®

Kernza®, a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute from intermediate wheatgrass, has a unique nutty flavor and initial research demonstrates it is high in dietary fiber as well as protein and antioxidants. Food and beverage companies have expressed interest in Kernza, which became commercially available in 2016; however, demand for Kernza supply chain has remained small over the last decade and has yet to reach the scale needed for broader adoption. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and various partners awarded over $2 million to Sustain-A-Grain, a company that grows and markets Kernza, to develop a traceable supply chain framework for Kernza.

While initial studies indicate Kernza has strong nutritional properties and environmental benefits, broader adoption requires transparent, verifiable data on outcomes such as soil health and nutritional composition. Food and beverage companies need scientifically proven data before they can make long-term sourcing commitments and integrate Kernza into products. This project will generate the evidence needed to help growers demonstrate the value of Kernza production and strengthen demand across the supply chain.

Sustain-A-Grain is partnering with Merge Impact to develop a comprehensive, traceable supply chain framework for Kernza®, leveraging Sustain-A-Grain’s established network of growers as a real-world laboratory. The project will standardize production, environmental and nutritional metrics and compile data from 75 growing seasons across multiple Kernza field sites to create a robust, verifiable understanding of Kernza production across various growing conditions. Merge Impact’s data platform will translate this information into accessible tools and insights for farmers, food companies and other supply chain stakeholders. Additionally, Kansas State University, The Land Institute and Montana State University are evaluating grain nutrition, functional properties and production performance to strengthen the evidence base supporting Kernza adoption and commercialization.

Sustain-A-Grain is also collaborating with food and beverage companies and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education (NICHE) program to develop and refine Kernza-based products, including cereals, breads, pasta and beverages. Through life cycle assessments, nutritional impact modeling and supply chain analyses, the project will connect credible field-level data with product innovation to strengthen market demand for Kernza and accelerate commercialization opportunities for growers and food manufacturers.

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR