Craft breweries have long been known for their innovation and commitment to quality, but now they are taking another step towards environmental sustainability. Patagonia Provisions, the food division of outdoor clothing and gear company Patagonia, has partnered with the Land Institute and eleven of America’s top craft breweries to launch the Kernza beer project. This initiative aims to promote regenerative agriculture and develop beer made from Kernza, a perennial grain crop that offers numerous environmental benefits. By using Kernza as an ingredient, these breweries are not only creating delicious beer but also actively supporting the health of our planet.
One of the key players in this groundbreaking project is the Land Institute, a non-profit organization founded in 1976. The Land Institute is dedicated to promoting perennial grain crops and polyculture farming solutions. Unlike traditional agriculture, which often depletes the soil, the Land Institute focuses on regenerative agricultural practices that restore and enhance ecosystems. By domesticating native plants like Kernza, which is based on intermediate wheatgrass, they are able to create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Kernza is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the farmers who grow it. As a perennial crop, it requires less fuel and labor compared to annual crops like barley and wheat. Additionally, Kernza has an impressive 12-foot-deep root system that helps retain soil, water, and nutrients, reducing the need for irrigation and synthetic fertilizers. These deep roots also promote the development of a healthy soil microbiome, which is essential for soil health and biodiversity.
While Kernza’s environmental benefits are significant, its value as a brewing ingredient should not be overlooked. Although it has lower starch content than traditional brewing grains, Kernza is higher in oil, which contributes to a unique flavor profile in beer. The breweries participating in the Kernza beer project have embraced the challenge of incorporating Kernza into their recipes, aiming to create high-quality beer that meets the highest standards of taste and environmental responsibility.
Eleven esteemed craft breweries have partnered with Patagonia Provisions to launch the Kernza beer project, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Each of these breweries was selected for its brewing skill and history of environmental stewardship. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them:
Allagash Brewing Company
Based in Portland, Maine, Allagash Brewing Company is a Certified B Corp that supports social justice, local water quality, and local farmers. They source over 1 million pounds of Maine-grown and Maine-malted barley annually, demonstrating their dedication to regional agriculture and reducing their carbon footprint.
Maui Brewing
Maui Brewing, Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, has been leading the way in sustainable brewing practices since its founding in 2005. They draw all their power from solar panels, batteries, and biodiesel, making them the first off-grid brewery in the United States. Additionally, they actively recycle and spearhead community relief efforts.
Rhinegeist
Located in Cincinnati, Rhinegeist is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. They recycle materials such as plastic grain bags, aluminum, scrap metal, and plastic film while continuously working to reduce energy and water consumption. Rhinegeist’s dedication to sustainability is evident throughout their brewing process.
The Kernza beer project is just the beginning of a larger movement towards sustainable craft brewing. By embracing regenerative agriculture and incorporating innovative ingredients like Kernza, craft breweries are setting an example for the industry as a whole. These breweries are not only producing delicious beer but also driving positive change for our planet by supporting local ecosystems and reducing their environmental impact.
The Kernza beer project is proof that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand. Craft breweries partnering with Patagonia Provisions and the Land Institute are at the forefront of this revolution, actively promoting regenerative agriculture and producing beer that is not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. As consumers, we have the power to support these breweries and make a positive impact on the planet by choosing beer made with Kernza. Together, we can raise a glass to a more sustainable and flavorful future.
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