Going Local: Developing Sustainable Small Grain Economies in Southeast Michigan

Abstract

Current conventional food production has created genetically homogeneous crops that encourage environmentally harmful practices. The large-scale production of commodity crops like wheat has led to mass production of subpar quality food, and discourages consumer involvement and knowledge. Encouraging the growth of local small grain economies and partnerships between farmers and businesses can produce food that is not only flavorful and nutritious, but that has fewer harmful environmental impacts. Moving away from homogeneous commodity crops can also enhance the resiliency of food systems with uncertain future climate conditions. This project analyzed local grain economies around the United States to identify the partnerships and coordination required for success, and the barriers that exist to their expansion, in order to apply this information in Southeast Michigan. The project facilitated a partnership between Zingerman's Bakehouse and a local organic seed company (Nature and Nurture) to initiate future expansion of local small grain markets and create a model that can be applied to other parts of the United States. Grain trials were designed to be implemented by Nature and Nurture in the coming growing seasons to identify diverse wheat varieties that can grow in this area, and to provide Zingerman’s with more local grain options. Zingerman’s will perform baking and tasting trials with this wheat to determine which type is most desirable for their business and customers, and to inform their choice of grain to support continued production in the future. Consumer surveys and practitioner interviews were conducted to inform this project, and allowed us to better understand consumer demand and preferences, which drives small grain economy expansion. We also identified grant opportunities for Nature and Nurture to apply for in the future, since we found resources to be a limiting factor for local farms diversifying into small grain production. In addition to understanding trends in consumer demand, creating relationships between farmers and the markets for their goods, and identifying gaps in local grain economies, will help mitigate risks for those involved in expanding small grain production. Modeling this process will be useful for more of these grower-buyer relationships to form in the future and will aid the continued expansion of local sustainable small grain economies.