Food company General Mills has announced that its Cascadian Farm brand will quadruple its use of perennial grain Kernza.
As part of the plan, Cascadian Farm will launch four new cereals in the US.
General Mills said expansion aims to advance the market for Kernza among US organic farmers.
Cascadian Farm is adding 1% Kernza to four of its flake cereal varieties: Honey Oat Crunch, Honey Oat Crunch with Almonds, Raisin Bran, and Hearty Morning Fiber.
The brand first began using the grain in its products in 2019.
Kernza, which regenerates each year without replanting, has roots extending up to ten feet underground.
According to the company, it helps improve soil structure, capture carbon, enhance water quality, and support wildlife habitats.
General Mills natural and organic business unit director Melissa Gallant said: “Kernza’s slightly sweet, nutty flavour is a welcome addition to the breakfast bowl.
“By putting a little bit of Kernza into Cascadian Farm cereals consumers know and love, we’re creating a stable market for US organic farmers and making it simple for shoppers to select a great-tasting, sustainable option in the cereal aisle.”
General Mills has been researching Kernza since 2014 in partnership with The Land Institute and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative.
The company stated that the new “Cascadian Farm 1% Kernza Initiative” cereals are now available at Whole Foods and Sprouts outlets across the US.
University of Minnesota commercialisation, adoption and scaling for the Forever Green Initiative director Colin Cureton added: “Delivering a market opportunity for farmers is critical. Our team can develop the crop and support farmers growing it. General Mills’ market partnership provides the demand farmers need to bring a new crop like Kernza onto their farm. It’s the foundational piece needed for Kernza acres to keep scaling.”
