SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Today, Kashi introduced the newest product in its Certified Transitional portfolio, Cinnamon French Toast – a delicious cereal made of crispy corn puffs, warm cinnamon and a hint of maple syrup.

Kashi also unveiled that with the support of consumers, it will source Certified Transitional ingredients from more than 4,200 acres of U.S. farmland – a 400% increase since the Certified Transitional program started in 2016. Participating farmers have received more than $1 million to support their transition from conventional to organic. 

"We're proud to support thousands of acres of U.S. farmland transitioning to organic through the Certified Transitional program since its inception in 2016," said Nicole Nestojko, Kashi Sr. Director Supply Chain & Sustainability. "When people enjoy a bowl of our new Cinnamon French Toast cereal — or any Certified Transitional product — they are helping increase the amount of organic farmland in the U.S., one box at a time."

Cinnamon French Toast is the second cereal to carry the Certified Transitional seal and builds on the success of Dark Cocoa Karma Shredded Wheat Biscuits and Chewy Nut Butter Bars. Kashi's portfolio of eight Certified Transitional products also includes two new Chewy Nut Butter Bar flavors, Salted Caramel Pecan and Double Chocolate Almond Butter, released last fall. 

Growing the Organic Market
Despite double-digit growth in consumer demand for organic foods each year since the 1990s, organic acreage has not kept up.¹ According to the USDA, less than one percent of U.S. farmland is certified organic.²  While farmers increasingly recognize the benefits of certification, converting fields from conventional farming methods to organic takes at least three years and is no small feat. During the three-year transition, farmers use organic practices requiring increased investment but aren't paid organic prices.

Inspired to help farmers meet rising demand for organics, Kashi partnered with leading organic certifier Quality Assurance International (QAI) in 2016 to create Certified Transitional, a protocol that creates a new way for farmers to command slightly higher prices for their crops in transition during the three-year period — giving them the financial assurance they need to make the switch from conventional to organic. QAI led the development of the label, with support from agricultural suppliers, a global environmental NGO, organic experts, farmers, retailers, distributors and food brands.

QAI owns and manages the Certified Transitional protocol, which is available for any crop and brand that sources agricultural ingredients, including food and beverage.

Certified Transitional Farmers Received $1M in Premiums Made Possible by Kashi
Through the program, Certified Transitional farmers have received more than $1 million in premiums to support their transition to organic since 2016. A total of 15 farmers have supplied Certified Transitional ingredients from farmland in California, Colorado, Louisiana, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

By purchasing Certified Transitional products such as Cinnamon French Toast cereal, Chewy Nut Butter Bars and Dark Cocoa Karma Shredded Wheat Biscuits, consumers are voting with their dollars to help support farmers transitioning their land to organic.

"I like to consider myself a 'conductor in an ecological orchestra' because it's important to me to ensure that all unique parts of the farm are working together in harmony," said Eric Thalken, president at Burkey LLC, who supplied corn for the new Cinnamon French Toast Cereal. "That's why I'm transitioning to organic — to ensure I conduct my farm in the most sustainable tune."

Inspired Taste
Kashi's new Cinnamon French Toast Cereal was inspired by bostock, a French breakfast brioche with notes of warm cinnamon and almonds, along with a hint of maple syrup. Each serving of Kashi Cinnamon French Toast Cereal has 5g fiber, 14g whole grains and 6g sugar. Because each purchase contributes to farmers transitioning to organic practices, it's a way for consumers to join Kashi on their commitment to deliver products that make positive impacts on health and the planet. Kashi will also be showcasing the Certified Transitional portfolio and other products at the annual Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, CA from March 8-11 (booth 1415).

Share Certified Transitional information today!

• Click to Tweet: Kashi's new #CinnamonFrenchToast helps support more organic farmland! @KashiFoods
• Click to Tweet: Certified Transitional from @QAI_Cert and @KashiFoods helps farmers transition to #organic.
• Click to Tweet: Only 1% of US farmland is #organic today. @KashiFoods is working to change this.

About Kashi Company 
Kashi believes eating more plants is the catalyst for a healthier life. A natural lifestyle pioneer since 1984, Kashi produces nutritious plant-based foods including cereals, powders, entrees and snacks with curated ingredients. All Kashi products being made today – including its GOLEAN and Heart to Heart brands – are Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kashi is proud to partner with QAI on the industry's first Certified Transitional program, which recognizes crops in transition from conventional to organic. Kashi products are available nationwide in the U.S. and Canada. Kashi is based in sunny Solana Beach, Calif.  To learn more, please visit Kashi.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/Kashi, Twitter at https://twitter.com/Kashifoods, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kashi/ or YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/Kashi.   

About QAI (Quality Assurance International)
Founded in 1989, Quality Assurance International (qai-inc.com) is the leading provider of organic certification services verifying organic integrity throughout the supply chain. Additional certification services include gluten-free, kosher, natural personal care, social responsibility and food safety through its parent company NSF International. QAI remains dedicated to the environment, while providing educational outreach to the organic community, customers and consumers. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the company has grown to include operations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Japan and the European Union.  For media interested in more information or to request an interview with Tracy Favre, Global Managing Director, QAI, an NSF International company, please contact media@nsf.org or call +1 734 214 6242.

SOURCE Kashi Company