BY COLLEEN KERN
A revolution grain is slowly transforming sustainable agriculture. The Land Institute, an organization dedicated to the development of persistent grain crops and solutions for polyculture farming, is changing the way we think about farming and food production. This persistent grain is finding its way into products like beer and pasta thanks to the efforts of Patagonia Provisions and local pioneers like Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. Its strong roots and outstanding economic benefits make it a staple.
KERNZA’S ROOTS IN SUSTAINABILITY
Kernza isn’t merely another grain, it’s a revolution in farming. Unlike traditional annual grains, Kernza’s serious, perennial roots remain in the ground year- round, anchoring soil, conserving water, and sequestering carbon. This method of farming is both restorative and a strong response to the climate crisis.
As part of its commitment to creating a food system that restores the planet, Patagonia Provisions began working with Kernza. Kernza exemplifies renewable natural agriculture, a practice Patagonia advocates by cultivating a crop that nurtures the earth rather than depletes it.
BEER SAVES THE WORLD: KERNZA’S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE BREWING
After discovering Kernza’s ability in her new documentary” Beer Save the World,” which explores the life and work of The Land Institute’s co-founder, Wes Jackson, Patagonia Provisions established a partnership with the company in 2015 with the release of its Long Root Ale, a beer brewed in partnership with select breweries across the United States. By focusing on beer, Salaway realized that the movie could raise awareness of the grain and be a enjoyable way to start the sustainability debate.
” We ask the question: Can beer save the world? The answer is: Never on its own. People and a complete overhaul of our agrarian practices are required. It’s a start”. Sallaway explains.
The movie looks at partnerships with brewers like Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. Sallaway highlighted the company in her project after her commitment to sustainability. The brewery is a vital partner in the Kernza Lager project and a pioneer in the use of grain because of its commitment to sustainable practices.
Kernza Lager and Kernza Golden Brew ( non-alcoholic ) are available on tap at Arizona Wilderness Brewing, whereas national retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts also offer Kernza Lager and Kernza Lager.
KERNZA IN THE KITCHEN
Beyond the realm of brewing, the story of this magical grain extends into food items as well. Patagonia Provisions has expanded its Kernza product range since its first launch, expanding it to include a variety of items, including a fresh 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 nuts, slightly sweet flavor.
Kernza’s health benefits are also important. As a whole grain harvested from middle wheatgrass, Kernza is higher in protein and antioxidants.
According to The Land Institute, Kernza “has eight times the amount of insoluble fiber as wheat, making it an extremely good option”. Per 100 grams, Kernza yields 18 grams of fiber and 19.2 grams of protein, whereas wheat has about 11 grams of fiber and just over 9 grams of protein. For those concerned about gluten, Kernza is no 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 pasta crisps and breakfast cereals, both, 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 responsible food systems has yielded important successes. Consumers are even impressed by Kernza’s distinctive taste and its economic history.  ,
THE SCIENCE BEHIND KERNZA’S IMPACT
It is an economic gamechanger thanks to Kernza’s novel biology and contribution to restorative agriculture. Its broad root system, which can reach depths of up to 10 feet, stabilizes soil, reduces erosion, and enhances its structure. These roots are normally carbon stores and essential components of reducing climate change.
Another distinguishing quality of Kernza is its water-efficiency. It requires considerably less water than traditional monthly grains as a persistent grain, which also aids in water infiltration and retention in the soil. Kernza’s ability to thrive without the need for yearly replanting minimizes tilling, fertilizers, and pesticides, further reducing its environmental footprint and making it a lasting alternative for agriculture.
Kernza is a crucial component in addressing contemporary agrarian challenges because of these traits. As a way to promote and expand renewable farming practices, Patagonia Provisions recognizes its ability and incorporates Kernza into its product line. The company is actively promoting the use of this crop to provide useful solutions to the world’s food and economic crises by collaborating with farmers and researchers.
Kelly Sallaway witnessed a stark illustration of Kernza’s impact on the environment while filming” Beer Saves the World.” We participated in and documented digging a trench in the middle of the heartland to highlight the differences between perennial and annual root systems, according to Sallaway. ” Anyone who sees this in person or on film will find it eye-opening,” says the author.
SCALING KERNZA’S Ability
Despite its promise, scaling Kernza’s production remains a challenge. As a relatively fresh crop, its supply is minimal, which can affect costs and availability. But, partnerships with organizations like Patagonia Provisions and The Land Institute are opening the door for more widespread 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 a part of a larger movement that seeks to make renewable agriculture the standard method of addressing the world’s food problems.
EDUCATING AND INSPIRING CONSUMERS
Kernza’s story is as little about education as it is about innovation. Fans of the brand are thrilled to support products that conform to their values, and Patagoni’s decision to introduce consumers to regenerative agriculture through relevant products like beer and pasta was proper.
Sallaway notes that people have been fascinated by how persistent grains like Kernza can restore ecosystems and lessen the carbon footprint of agriculture. Following the 12-minute screening of the movie, the audience continued to be deeply engaged with the science and stories about Kernza for more than an hour. This enthusiasm was visible during the Q&, A sessions.
KERNZA IN ARIZONA
Sallaway’s interactions with Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.’s CEO, Jonathan Buford, gave her a reason to shift the focus of Kernza’s story to its relationship with beer. She notes that meeting Buford gave her a new appreciation for the dedication, artistry, and craftsmanship of brewing. Just a select few breweries nationwide add Kernza to their beers, and just a select few partner with Patagonia Provisions for their Kernza Lager. Patagonia and Sallaway were quick to point fingers at Arizona Wilderness Brewing because of its outstanding commitment to lasting business practices, and the partnership highlights the significance of local businesses in promoting economic change. Kernza offers Arizona residents a tangible way to interact with businesses and follow responsible practices that they can be proud of.
KERNZA’S ROLE IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
As Kernza gains more popularity, its ability to change food systems becomes more and more obvious. From its ability to sequester carbon to its role in crafting tasty, eco-friendly products, Kernza offers a blueprint for a more lasting future.
For Patagonia Provisions, the journey with Kernza is really beginning. The brand hopes to encourage widespread adoption of renewable practices by expanding its production and opening it up to new markets. Their belief is easy 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 visit Whole Foods Market for pasta from Patagonia Provisions. To learn more about Kernza’s development and its role in sustainable agriculture, check out the following screening of” Beer Saves the World” at the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival in Scottsdale, March 7-9, 2025. www. wwfilmfestival. org
