Forever Green |

Kernza's deep-rooted stands prevent leaching of nitrates into ground water.

Photo by Brian Devore, Land Stewardship Project

Kernza roots are far longer than those of domestic wheat and stay in the ground, protecting soil, year-round.

U of MN and The Land Institute plant breeders are increasing Kernza seed size and reducing shattering (seed drop before harvest) to domesticate it as a perennial grain crop.

Kernza forms a dense stand in the field.

Grazing in the spring typically does not reduce grain yield and may improve stand longevity.

Forever Green Crops

U of MN researchers are working on a wide variety of perennial grains, oilseed crops, winter annual cover crops, forages, woody perennials, and native prairie species.

Working together we can enhance and develop new agricultural systems that will improve natural resources and provide new economic opportunities. Our team consists of experts in the areas of genomics, breeding, agronomics and commercialization.

The Forever Green Initiative is a University of Minnesota and USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) program to develop new crops and high-efficiency cropping systems. READ MORE