Artisan Grain Resources
Learn more about the people, literature, and language mentioned in the Inland Northwest Artisan Grains™ podcast series by browsing the page or clicking on the section title to be taken directly there.
Organizations Supporting Artisan Grains and Value-added Products
Baking Alliances and Communities
Artisan Grains Infrastructure
Conferences and Annual Meetings
Organizations Supporting Artisan Grains and Value-added Products
These are organizations that support the seed breeding, saving, and growing of artisan grains as organizations that are involved in bringing these grains to the market through value-added products such as crackers, baking mixes, beer, etc.
Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative
"The Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative (ASFC) team is developing a robust regional model for staple food systems among grain, bean, nut, and oil seed growers, processors, and researchers here and across the US. Our goal is to develop climate-smart staple food systems and innovative approaches to food access and farmer support that are fueled by peer to peer learning circles."
We are a network of farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, chefs, food manufacturers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and advocates working together to promote a regenerative grainshed in the Midwest.
The California Grain Campaign is one of many initiatives across the country with the common goal of taking grains out of the world-wide commodity system and placing them into a regional, sustainable, food system. In the process we hope to increase transparency, diversity, and knowledge of the crops that grain-growers are planting, harvesting and marketing in California.
Cascadia Grains was born in 2013 out of a desire to connect farmers, processors, and resource providers across the regional specialty grain economy in western Washington. The WSU Bread Lab, WSU Extension Pierce County, and WSU Extension Thurston County led the original effort to develop a complimentary sister event to the successful Grain Gathering. WSU, in partnership, with community-based organizations, secured funding through an USDA Risk Management grant to hold the very first Cascadia Grains event in Tacoma, WA in 2013.
The Colorado Grain Chain is a 501(c)5 membership organization comprised of locally-owned and-operated businesses and consumers that produce and support grain and grain products from heritage, ancient and locally-adapted grain. Founding members are farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers and chefs. The Grain Chain is devoted to promoting member businesses and raising awareness and demand for their products throughout Colorado.
Common Grain Alliance connects and supports farmers, millers, bakers, and grain artisans to build a vibrant, integrated, equitable and regenerative grain economy in the Mid-Atlantic. We envision an integrated grain economy of local and regional businesses that produce nutritious, flavorful, and consistent regional grain products for the communities they serve. These businesses empower communities by granting control over their supply of staple crops, stewarding the land, creating livable jobs, and producing delicious food.
GrowNYC Greensmarkets Regional Grains Project
Since 2009, GrowNYC has pioneered the new frontier in local food: Grains. With our partners, and through our farmers market retail program, we built the marketplace for grains grown and milled in the northeast. We are educated and connected growers, processors, bakers and chefs -- sparking a rise in demand for local grains while helping ensure the crop supply and processing infrastructure are there to meet that demand.
The Heritage Grain Trust (HGT) is a not-for-profit organisation formed to encourage the production and use of heritage grains. The HGT has been formed with the aim of developing a new approach to growing grain for human consumption, one that encourages resilience in the face of climate change and reduces the loss of biodiversity that occurs with intensive grain production. We believe that a genuine grain revolution is required in arable farming based on the growing of genetically-diverse populations of heritage cereals using agro-ecological methods.
Locally grown grains are the missing component in many regional food systems. The Heritage Grain Alliance continues the work started by the Rocky Mountain Heritage Grain Trials Project. Their work aims to revive the production, use, and cultural experience of that have been adapted to the Western United States.
Inland Northwest Artisan Grains
Inland Northwest Artisan Grains is a network of farmers, bakers, brewers, and eaters that are exploring the unique artisan grains of the Inland Northwest region of Idaho, eastern Washington, and eastern Oregon. They are working to increase collaboration in this region and build up the local grain economy by sharing stories on their podcast series, holding educational events, and connecting growers to value-added producers.
Our mission is to inspire and empower people who are building local grain economies. We create connections and share grain traditions and innovations from earth to table. Beginning with the first Kneading Conference in 2007, the Maine Grain Alliance has provided opportunities to learn and share how best to grow and use grains to thousands of individuals across the world. The Maine Grain Alliance promotes beneficial uses of grain for good health, food independence, and purposeful jobs within viable communities. We connect people and support the economic, environmental, and nutritional importance for establishing regional grain economies.
Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services
MOSES is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the landscape of agriculture for farmers, eaters, and the environment we all share. We are most well-known for hosting the country's largest organic farming Conference each February in La Crosse, Wis., but also boast a free bi-monthly newspaper, numerous resources, training opportunities, and a network of stellar farmers engaged in peer-to-peer learning. We invite you to support the good work of the organization or take advantage of learning opportunities with us. We love to help folks #GrowOrganic
The Northeast Grainshed Alliance is a diverse stakeholder-driven partnership, connecting grain-related businesses and organizations in the Northeast. We are a growing number of grain growers, processors, producers, organizations, institutions, researchers, & the public; all key components of a regional grain supply chain.
Northern Grain Growers Association
The Northern Grain Growers Association is a “farm grown” organization that started in 2004 and now has over 60 members including growers, malsters, bakers, food system enthusiasts, food business owners, distributors and more! We focus on plant breeding, organic seed saving, variety improvement, and broadly all aspects of grain production – conventional, organic, and in between.
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Organic Seed Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world. Our work ensures an abundant and diverse supply of ecologically grown seed, tended in perpetuity by skilled and diverse communities of seed stewards. To advance this mission, we serve growers working with seed across the US at any scale through participatory research, practical education, policy advocacy, and network development. We prioritize partnerships with organizations and individuals aligned with our values, and we convene spaces where divergent viewpoints can be expressed and explored. In all our work, we ally ourselves with and embrace opportunities to amplify movements for community sovereignty, racial equity, and social justice.
Small grains crops like oats, wheat, barley, rye and triticale are seeing renewed interest by farmers in Iowa. Practical Farmers members and others are generating information about how to source seed, as well as plant, manage and harvest these crops. Iowa was once a nationwide leader in small grain production, especially oats, but many farm families haven’t grown them for a generation. Now that more and more members have become interested in growing small grains, Practical Farmers of Iowa’s staff and members have been busy compiling information about how to plant, harvest, store, and sell small grains.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs. Since 1988, SARE grantees have been putting the principles of sustainable agriculture into practice on farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate.
Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project
The Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project's aim is to preserve and grow heritage organic grains which are naturally drought tolerant and low in gluten.
The Greenhorns
We believe our agricultural system needs reform, that we need hundreds of thousands more people to join us in the work of agro-ecology, market gardening, urban forestry, agro-forestry, regenerative ranching, ecological restoration, nurseries, orchards, food justice and rural revival. This work can take many forms—Greenhorns’ mission is to create a welcoming cultural space and a practical professional resource for the incoming generation.
When people, land, and community are as one, all three members prosper; when they relate not as members but as competing interests, all three are exploited. By consulting Nature as the source and measure of that membership, The Land Institute seeks to develop an agriculture that will save soil from being lost or poisoned, while promoting a community life at once prosperous and enduring.
We are a non-profit organization based in California, aiming to enhance the desirability and availability of whole grain breads and other whole grain products from organically and sustainably grown grains and thereby connecting farmers and bakers.
WSU's Sustainable Seed Systems Lab
The Sustainable Seed Systems Lab at WSU is a group of plant breeder, research technicians, and graduate students set on a path to bring diversity to agroecological landscapes through innovative plant breeding and agronomic practices.
In addition to encouraging the implementation of low input and regenerative farming practices, University of Wyoming is helping growers access markets for ancient grains and other alternative crops through their purchase of a dehuller. Extension personnel at the UW Research Station in Powell, WY are working with Wyoming Heritage Grains, Camas Country Mills, and 1000 Springs Mill to get their grain to consumers.
The Whole Grains Council helps consumers find whole grain foods and understand their health benefits; helps manufacturers and restaurants create delicious whole grain foods; and helps the media write accurate, compelling stories about whole grains.
Our goal is to bring more affordable, great tasting bread to the world one loaf at a time. Or maybe faster than that. Through innovation and discovery, education and advocacy, WSU Breadlab is leading the movement to put nutrition and sustainability at the center of our conversation about food. We do it by developing agronomically sensible and economically viable grain crops, creating diverse and decentralized food systems, and engaging a global community of people in a conversation about what they eat and how it's produced.
Baking Alliances and Communities
The mission of the Chicago Bread Club is to share the art and knowledge of bread, and to promote and expand the racial equity of the regional grain economy.
Community Loaves™ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grassroots bread brigade, baking and delivering homemade Honey Oat Sandwich Loaves in support of our overstretched food pantries. As a community we are passionate about bread baking and united in a mission to provide delicious, nutritious freshly baked bread to our local food pantries. We are fully entrenched in the greater Seattle area, and have recently launched operations in Portland.
Have a passion for bread baking? Northwest Bread Bakers hosts gatherings for the amateur to the professional baker. Events will feature local grain farmers, millers, artisans, educators, manufacturers and of course bakers. This group is intentionally open to all and is designed to gather a variety of expertise in a spirit of mutual support to hone your baking skills, deliciously. During the stay home, stay healthy mandate we still gather via Zoom events. We are part of the good food movement, supporting the regional grain economy, helping new bakers learn the craft, lending support to start-up businesses, serving as a resource for the purchase of local grains and flours, sharing techniques and methods and getting conversations started through interesting programming. We care about the health of people and planet and look to advance both through the baking of delicious, nutritious bread. Local is a key part of our mission and members typically live here in the beautiful Northwest. Similar groups are popping up all over the country - check out Portland Whole Grain Bakers or Chicago Bread Club.
A Facebook group for artisan bakers of all experience to connect and share knowledge.
Artisan Grains Infrastructure
Amy Halloran's Website and Blog
A writer and change agent, Amy works to add social values and economic viability to farms, cities, families, the emergency feeding system, and communities. Her love for pancakes led her to write a book about flour, THE NEW BREAD BASKET: How the New Crop of Grain Growers, Plant Breeders, Millers, Maltsters, Bakers, Brewers, and Local Food Activists Are Redefining Our Daily Loaf. This page is a comprehensive list of local mills by state.
Organic Seed Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world. Our work ensures an abundant and diverse supply of ecologically grown seed, tended in perpetuity by skilled and diverse communities of seed stewards. To advance this mission, we serve growers working with seed across the US at any scale through participatory research, practical education, policy advocacy, and network development. We prioritize partnerships with organizations and individuals aligned with our values, and we convene spaces where divergent viewpoints can be expressed and explored. In all our work, we ally ourselves with and embrace opportunities to amplify movements for community sovereignty, racial equity, and social justice.
Locally grown grains are the missing component in many regional food systems. The Rocky Mountain Heritage Grain Trials Project aims to revive the production, use, and cultural experience of locally grown heritage grains in our region’s communities. Our ultimate goal is to create a vibrant system of farmers, millers, bakers, and brewers throughout the Mountain West who can give new life to ancient grain varieties and ensure this diversity is preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.
When people, land, and community are as one, all three members prosper; when they relate not as members but as competing interests, all three are exploited. By consulting Nature as the source and measure of that membership, The Land Institute seeks to develop an agriculture that will save soil from being lost or poisoned, while promoting a community life at once prosperous and enduring.
Funding Opportunities
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs. Since 1988, SARE grantees have been putting the principles of sustainable agriculture into practice on farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate.
These are organizations that bring together artisan bakers of all skill and experience to share knowledge, address sourcing challenges, and discuss the health benefits of artisan and whole grains.
These are organizations that are involved in milling, malting, and other processing of grain to make them usable for artisan brewers and bakers. These include people that are addressing the challenges surrounding regional grains infrastructure.
Conferences and Annual Meetings
Cascadia Grains Conference is put on by Cascadia Grains and funded by the Washington State University Extension, Food Systems Program.
The Grain Growers Conference is a collaboration between the northern Grain Growers Association (NGGA) and the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program (NWCS).
The Kneading Conference is put on by the Maine Grain Alliance and brings together grainiacs and bread buffs from all over the country.
Oldways Whole Grains Council Conference
The Oldways Whole Grains Council will provide chefs, manufacturers, foodservice operators, and distributors with key insights and actionable takeaways to adapt to the latest trends. Topics will include consumer attitudes, new health research, whole grain retail and foodservice trends, the rebirth of local grain economies, and where the industry is headed next.
Organic Seed Growers Conference
The Organic Seed Growers Conference is a biennial gathering by and for agroecological seed communities in the U.S. and across the world. The event creates spaces where experienced and emerging seed stewards can convene timely conversations, educational trainings, and strategy sessions. The gathering serves as a conduit for making new connections and catching up with old friends, networking across organic seed communities, sharing knowledge with other participants, and celebrating the growing movement. Organizers curate a conference agenda that reflects the multifaceted needs of seed growers and advocates, no matter the ease or discomfort of the topics. The goal of the Organic Seed Growers Conference is to inspire individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses to take actions that support and improve the integrity of the philosophical and practical systems that make up the organic seed movement and trade.
Perennial Grain International Research Meeting
The Perennial Grain International Research Meeting is organized by The Land Institute annually to discuss the future of agricultural perennial. These meetings include a variety of keynote speakers and study tours.
Philadelphia Grain Malt Symposium
Our mission is to build a stronger regional grain/malt value chain for all participants through education, networking, and sharing products. A grain revolution is happening. Join us!
This regional conference is put on by the Practical Farmers of Iowa and brings together farmers, supply chain buyers and researchers to share their expertise on successful farming with small grains in extended rotations.
Since 2016, Grain School at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has brought a community together ranging from grain growers, millers, maltsters, brewers, chefs, educators, scientists, and students to share and complement knowledge and skills and build business relations in relevant topics. These topics have included whole and heritage grains and their relationship to health, nutrition, dietary fiber, and the microbiome, environment and climate change issues related to agriculture, and topics of biodiversity, grain’s role in sustainable farming practices, and the newest in crop science to leverage the traits of old varieties of grain for nutrition and flavor in more modern strains.
Organizations that are potential sources of grants, loans, and other funding for those interested in working within the artisan grains realm.
Conferences and annual meetings around the nation where artisan grains seed, cultivation, infrastructure, processing, or products are being discussed.