AURI Connects: Fields of Innovation is a platform focused on convening Minnesota’s regional ag and food value chains to build capacity and successfully accelerate the commercialization of new crop and livestock opportunities, including new traits for existing crops. By connecting innovation and market development with value chain partners, Fields of Innovation aims to build a strong ecosystem in Minnesota and border states that will provide ag producers and value chain partners with new market opportunities.
Over the past several years, AURI has participated in multiple projects focused on assessing uses and developing markets for Kernza® perennial grain, an emerging small grain crop being developed by The Land Institute in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and other research partners. The crop is a domesticated form of intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), a cousin of annual wheat. Kernza is notable for its positive environmental benefits, providing deep-rooted, continuous living cover that can preserve soil health and water quality.
As part of its commercialization efforts, AURI has developed multiple reports, fact sheets, and informational events on the crop and its potential value-added uses.
Reports
- Kernza® Perennial Grain Value Chain Development in Central Minnesota Report (August 2022)
- Kernza® Perennial Grain: Building Sustainable Supply Chains, Enhancing Value-Added Uses, and Assessing Post-Harvest Handling Practices Report (August 2024)
- Kernza® Perennial Grain: Value-Added Uses for Malting, Brewing, and Distilling Report (October 2024)
Fact Sheets
- Brewing with Kernza® Perennial Grain
- Kernza® Perennial Grain as a Cereal Grain
- Kernza® Perennial Grain: Cleaning & Dehulling Process
- Kernza® Perennial Grain in Baking Applications
Webinars & Videos
- Exploring Market Opportunities for Kernza® Perennial Grain (Webinar)
- The Process of Cleaning Kernza® Perennial Grain
Podcasts
- Naan: Garlic and Cheese and Berries. Oh, my!
- Brewing and Distilling with Kernza® Perennial Grain
- Master Brewers: Kernza
Misc. Outreach & Publications
- Brewing Up Opportunities for Kernza®
- Food Ag Ideas Week Brought Technology, Innovation, and Dynamic Speakers Together
For more information on AURI’s work with Kernza, please contact Alexandra Ostlund, Business Development Director of Novel Supply Chains.
Funding for AURI’s Kenrza projects and initiatives was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
