Moving grains from farms to tables is a group effort. We work on strengthening the Midwest grain economy through five member-led Working Groups, and facilitate information sharing, organize gatherings, and offer support and connection for regional grain chain farms, businesses, and allied organizations.
Developed in partnership with the Vermont Law School Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, this resource can help grain value chain businesses identify which Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule requirements apply to their particular operations and assist them in understanding what they need to do to comply as they work to build local and regional food systems.
The guide includes: key terms — a flowchart to help farms and businesses determine which regulatory entity category they fall into — compliance information specific to farms processing facilities, retail food establishments, and restaurants that grow, process, store, and handle grains — a discussion of how particular activities fit within the rule to help producers understand if and how their activities make them subject to it.
AGC members Cow Creek Farm and Silver Tree Beer & Spirits are working with the University of Illinois Food Science Pilot Processing Plant through a NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant to test distillation performance of five heritage, open-pollinated corn varieties. Yellow #2 dent corn is most commonly used for distilling, but other cultivars offer alternative market niches and farm diversification opportunities. This work will begin to develop an understanding of the flavor composition and alcohol conversion of these distinct varieties.
In March 2020, AGC launched an initiative to secure the local grain chain and support the regional emergency feeding system during the pandemic. Neighbor Loaves are made by bakers, bakeries, and other food businesses using at least 50% locally grown and milled flour. Consumers and other donors buy the bread at full retail cost, supporting regional farms, mills, and bakers. The loaves go to food pantries and community feeding organizations, which continue to be hard hit by ongoing economic issues resulting from the pandemic, and make their way to those who need bread.
In April 2021, AGC member Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) published a three-part series on food-grade grains for their MOSES Organic Podcast. Education & Outreach Working Group coordinator Amy Halloran recorded conversations with several AGC member farmers, millers, and researchers to create the series. Episodes include: Behind the Seeds, Diversifying Crop Rotations, and On-Farm Milling.
Listen Here:
Institutions like schools, hospitals, and business campuses represent a largely untapped market opportunity for local grain consumption. A USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant (2020-2023) awarded to AGC in partnership with UW-Madison’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) seeks to connect grain producers across the Upper Midwest with Wisconsin institutions. Resources created through this project will accelerate procurement of local grains and build staple crops into existing farm to institution efforts.
Jas McDaniel Photography - Madison Sourdough
These member-led vehicles for community building convene and support members to help illustrate, contextualize, and connect their work with others across the region. Working Groups meet virtually to tackle pressing issues relevant to the development of our grainshed. Want to join a Working Group? Apply to become an AGC member here.
