Imagining the local grain possibilities

March 10, 2010 by Debra.

I’ve been enjoying experimenting with the locally grown and milled flour I bought from Moor Farm at the Winter Farmers’ Market earlier this season. So I was excited to come across information regarding a grain CSA being offered in nearby Massachusetts. Pioneer Valley Heritage Grains is the result of a partnership between Wheatberry Bakery & Cafe and The New England Small Farm Institute. This project was developed to explore the “challenges of producing, processing & marketing an emerging commodity.” The following describes what was being offered in last year’s share:

A full 2009 share ($300) is approximately:

• • 30lbs of wheat (spring and winter wheat)
  • 10lbs of black beans
  • 10lbs of oats
  • 20lbs of corn
  • 5lbs of barley
  • 6lbs of rye
  • 15lbs of spelt
  • 4lbs of emmer

Fine Print

• • A half share ($175) is half of the above quantities
  • Grains are unmilled for keeping quality.
  • Milling is available weekday afternoons at Wheatberry Bakery,
  • or a home sized mill can be used and cost between $50 and $200.

With locally grown beans already available and more locally grown wheat on the horizon, one can’t help but imagine that a grain CSA can’t be too far off from being offered here on the Seacoast!

Posted in author: Debra, sources of local food | Print | 1 Comment »