Value-Added Grains for Local and Regional Food Systems II
Project Director
Mark Earl Sorrels
Year Funded
2019
Award Number
2019-51300-30258
Funded Institution
Cornell University
Grant Program
OREI (Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative)
USDA NIFA Report (alternate)
Project Overview
This planning project convened 30 producers, plant breeders, millers, bakers, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for expanded production of organic specialty grains and value-added grain products, and to develop and submit a full OREI proposal. They discussed promising varieties of specialty grains for organic rotations, management practices from planting through harvest and storage for grain quality, and market development needs. Top production challenges identified in the discussions include weed competitive ability in spring-planted grains, finding adapted high-yielding grain cultivars, and sourcing disease-free organic seed.
Farmer Takeaways
(1) Successful organic specialty grain production requires regionally adapted cultivars, disease-free organic seed, and effective weed management.
(2) Successful market development for organic specialty grains depends on consumer education and better coordination among suppliers.
(3) Research has been completed to provide organic growers, processors, and consumers with nutritious, high-value grains that will be economically rewarding and sustainable.