Understanding Kernza® Licensing

The Land Institute developed the registered trademark for Kernza® grain to help identify intermediate wheatgrass grain that is certified as a perennial using the most advanced types of T. intermedium seed. 

When you buy Kernza® perennial grain, you can be certain that you’re eating product grown on a perennial field that is building soil health, helping retain clean water, sequestering carbon, and enhancing wildlife habitat.

There are 3 options for purchasing Kernza®. All require making an account, and all applicable forms and instructions are emailed to you after making an account.

1. Purchase a one-time sample for product development:

1. Make an account.
2. Read the Kernza® Trademark Usage Guidelines.

3. Fill out the Material Transfer Agreement we emailed you.

4. Email the agreement to shop@sprowtlabs.com.
5. Once approved, you may only purchase products in the "sample permit required" product category below by using the "filter by" tool.

6. If you decide to develop a product with Kernza®, you may submit a signed license to become a licensed commercial user.

2. Become a licensed commercial user selling a Kernza® product:

1. Make an account.
2. Read the Kernza® Trademark Usage Guidelines.
3. Fill out the license we emailed you.
4. Email the license to shop@sprowtlabs.com.
5. Once approved, purchase grain in the "license required" product category below by using the "filter by" tool.
6. Pay The Land Institute a licensing fee for trademark use. This fee is approved and paid annually and is not meant to be a barrier to market entry, but is designed to support further supply chain development and research. They will send you an invoice, and you may begin purchasing Kernza® grain once we've licensed you, and before you've paid your fee.
3. Purchase Kernza® as a private consumer.
1. Make an account.
2. Once approved, purchase grain for private, non-commercial use.