BY COLLEEN KERN

A revolutionary grain is quietly transforming sustainable agriculture. Kernza, developed by The Land Institute — an organization dedicated to advancing perennial grain crops and polyculture farming solutions — is reshaping how we think about farming and food production. With its deep roots and impressive environmental benefits, this perennial grain is finding its way into products like beer and pasta, thanks to the efforts of Patagonia Provisions and regional pioneers like Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.

KERNZA’S ROOTS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Kernza isn’t just another grain; it’s a revolution in farming. Unlike traditional annual grains, Kernza’s deep, perennial roots remain in the ground year- round, anchoring soil, conserving water, and sequestering carbon. This approach to agriculture is not only restorative but also a direct response to the climate crisis.

Patagonia Provisions began working with Kernza as part of its commitment to building a food system that restores the planet. By cultivating a crop that nurtures the earth rather than depletes it, Kernza exemplifies regenerative organic agriculture — a practice Patagonia champions.

BEER SAVES THE WORLD: KERNZA’S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE BREWING

Patagonia Provisions’ relationship with Kernza began in 2015 with the launch of its Long Root Ale, a beer brewed in partnership with select breweries across the U.S. Award-winning film producer Kelly Sallaway was inspired to showcase Kernza’s potential in her new documentary “Beer Saves the World,” after discovering it during her work on “Prairie Prophecy,” a film that explores the life and work of The Land Institute’s co-founder, Wes Jackson. Sallaway realized that by focusing on beer, the film could boost the grain’s visibility and be a fun way to start the sustainability conversation.

“We ask the question: Can beer save the world? The answer is: Not on its own. It takes people and an overhaul of our agricultural practices. It’s a start.” Sallaway explains.

The film explores partnerships with brewers like Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., whose dedication to sustainability inspired Sallaway to spotlight the company in her project. The brewery’s commitment to sustainable practices also aligns with Patagonia’s mission, making them a key partner in the Kernza Lager project and a trailblazer in the use of the grain.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing offers Kernza Lager on tap, while national retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts offer Kernza Lager and Kernza Golden Brew (non-alcoholic).

KERNZA IN THE KITCHEN

The story of this magic grain extends beyond the world of brewing and into food items, as well. Since its initial launch, Patagonia Provisions has broadened its Kernza product range to include a variety of items, such as a new line of Regenerative Organic Certified pasta options. These pastas, made from a blend of durum wheat flour and Kernza, highlight the grain’s versatility, and its nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

Kernza’s health benefits are also significant. As a whole grain harvested from intermediate wheatgrass, Kernza is high in protein and antioxidants.

According to The Land Institute, Kernza “has eight times the amount of insoluble fiber as wheat, making it an extremely healthy option.” Per 100 grams, Kernza yields 18 grams of fiber and 19.2 grams of protein, whereas wheat has around 11 grams of fiber and just over 9 grams of protein. For those concerned about gluten, Kernza is not gluten- free but does contain less gluten than wheat. Slowly but surely, brands and makers are catching on to the magic of Kernza, with other brands like Columbia County Bread and Cascadian Farm creating flatbread crisps and breakfast cereals, respectively, from the grain.

But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. For Patagonia, scaling Kernza’s production has required collaboration with farmers, researchers, and food scientists to optimize the grain’s functionality and flavor. Despite these hurdles, the company’s dedication to sustainable food systems has yielded significant successes. Consumers not only appreciate Kernza’s unique taste but also its environmental story. 

THE SCIENCE BEHIND KERNZA’S IMPACT

Kernza’s innovative biology and contribution to regenerative agriculture make it an environmental gamechanger. Its extensive root system, which can reach depths of up to 10 feet, stabilizes soil, reduces erosion, and enhances its structure. These roots naturally store carbon and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Another standout feature of Kernza is its water efficiency. As a perennial grain, it requires significantly less water than traditional annual grains, while also improving water infiltration and retention in the soil. Kernza’s ability to thrive without the need for annual replanting minimizes tilling, fertilizers, and pesticides, further reducing its environmental footprint and making it a sustainable alternative for agriculture.

These qualities make Kernza a critical component in addressing modern agricultural challenges. Patagonia Provisions acknowledges its potential and incorporates Kernza into its product line as a means of promoting and expanding regenerative farming practices. By partnering with farmers and researchers, the company is actively showcasing how this crop can offer practical solutions to global food and environmental crises.

During the filming of “Beer Saves the World,” Kelly Sallaway witnessed a striking demonstration of Kernza’s environmental impact. “We participated in and documented digging a trench in the middle of the heartland to expose the difference in the root systems of perennial versus annual crops,” Sallaway said. “This is an eye-opener for anyone who sees this in person or on film.”

SCALING KERNZA’S POTENTIAL

Despite its promise, scaling Kernza’s production remains a challenge. As a relatively new crop, its supply is limited, which can affect costs and availability. However, partnerships with organizations like The Land Institute and Patagonia Provisions are paving the way for broader adoption. Patagonia’s efforts to scale Kernza go beyond beer and pasta. By working directly with farmers and researchers, the brand is building a supply chain that prioritizes soil health and sustainability. These initiatives are part of a broader movement to promote regenerative agriculture as a mainstream solution to global food challenges.

EDUCATING AND INSPIRING CONSUMERS

Kernza’s story is as much about education as it is about innovation. Patagonia’s choice to introduce consumers to regenerative agriculture through relatable products like beer and pasta was strategic, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: fans of the brand are thrilled to back products that align with their values.

Sallaway notes that people have been fascinated to learn how perennial grains like Kernza can restore ecosystems and reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint. This enthusiasm was evident during the Q&A sessions following the 12-minute screening of the film, with the audience remaining highly engaged with the science and stories about Kernza for more than an hour.

KERNZA IN ARIZONA

Sallaway was inspired by her interactions with Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.’s CEO, Jonathan Buford, to shift the focus of telling Kernza’s story towards its relationship with beer. She notes that meeting Buford gave her a new appreciation for the dedication, artistry, and craftsmanship of brewing. Only a limited number of breweries across the country incorporate Kernza into their beer, and even fewer partner with Patagonia Provisions on Kernza Lager. Arizona Wilderness Brewing caught the attention of Patagonia and Sallaway early on due to its exceptional dedication to sustainable business practices, and the partnership underscores the importance of regional businesses in driving environmental change. For Arizona residents, Kernza represents a tangible way to engage with businesses and sustainable practices that they can feel good about.

KERNZA’S ROLE IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

As Kernza continues to gain traction, its potential to reshape food systems becomes increasingly clear. From its ability to sequester carbon to its role in crafting delicious, eco-friendly products, Kernza offers a blueprint for a more sustainable future.

For Patagonia Provisions, the journey with Kernza is just beginning. By scaling its production and introducing it to new markets, the brand hopes to inspire widespread adoption of regenerative practices. Their belief is simple but powerful: by changing how we grow and consume food, we can help save the planet.

GET INVOLVED

Interested in trying Kernza products? Visit Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. for a pint of Kernza Lager or shop for Patagonia Provisions’ pastas at Whole Foods Market. To learn more about Kernza’s development and its role in sustainable agriculture, check out the next screening of “Beer Saves the World” at the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival in Scottsdale, March 7-9, 2025. www.wwfilmfestival.org