CADE to Host Free Farm and Food Business Workshop

The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE) and the Organic Growers’ Research and Information-Sharing Network (OGRIN) are leading an intensive workshop that explores an alternative enterprise for growers: Value-Added Grains. This is a free workshop as part of CADE’s FFBI program.

For farmers who are looking to boost profitability and sustainability, the value-added grains market presents real opportunity. Value-added grains include wheat, oats, barley, rye and such specialty grains as OP and heirloom corn, the ancient wheats einkorn, emmer, and spelt, flax, buckwheat, and even hemp. In the Northeast there is a strong and unmet demand for local production of these grains, all of which have high profit potential. The workshop on these grains will be held, Saturday, March 7, from 9am - 1pm at 189 Main St. in Oneonta (fifth floor, entrance on Dietz Street).

The program will include detailed information on which crops and varieties are in demand, sourcing of seed and equipment, crop management from planting through storage, on-farm grain-processing options to boost profit, and accessing wholesale and retail markets. Farmers can also sign up for further assistance on production and marketing and for access to a mobile grain-processing unit that includes a seed cleaner, dehuller, oat roller, and mill.

Presenters at the workshop will include Stuart Farr, a farmer in Columbia County (http://hudsonvalleyhopsandgrains.com/) who is working with a diverse array of value-added grains and grain-processing equipment; representatives from the new Middle Brook Mill and commercial kitchen (Jefferson, NY) who are looking for local growers to supply their mill; and Dr. Elizabeth Dyck, a specialist in value-added grain production and marketing.

The event is free, open to the public, and includes a lunch. Registration is required and can be done online at http://www.cadefarms.org/2020-workshop-registration or by calling the CADE office at 607-433-2545. The workshop is funded in part by a Chobani Community Impact grant and an NESARE research and education grant.