Kneading Conference 2024

The most widely grown grain varieties in the modern day were bred for pesticide tolerance, unwavering uniformity, and boosting yields at any cost. In a world full of flavorful, nutritious, and resilient grains, this approach is not quite as “conventional” as it may seem. Join the Project Director of MGA’s Heritage Seed Center, Paul Pollaro, to discuss how organic farmers can stay competitive with heritage grains, learn how to select the best varieties to achieve your goals, and peek behind the scenes into the day-to-day work of a heritage seed restorationist.

Embark on an excursion with MGA's esteemed Director of Rare & Heritage Seed Restoration. Delve into the heart of East Madison as we explore exemplary grain restoration endeavors and engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders at the forefront of this vital field.

Meeting time and meeting place will be announced on Thursday.

A peer-to-peer learning session for those who grow organic grain or aspire to. Hear from a panel of organic grain farmers about their challenges and successes as well as from MOFGA about mentorship support to transition to organic (TOPP). Learn about funding available from NRCS, market opportunities and operational considerations for organic grain growing.

Over the past decade, there has been a major resurgence of interest in reviving heritage and landrace grains in the Northeast. Building on, and in collaboration with, the incredible efforts of seed savers Sylvia Davatz and Ruth Fleishman, the MGA has developed as a space where farmers, bakers, researchers, home gardeners, and grain enthusiasts can connect to share seeds and knowledge, collaborate on trials, seek out rare varieties, and be part of the growing community of those who understand the importance of preserving and expanding the cultivation of these valuable crops. Join MGA’s Executive Director, Tristan Noyes, to explore the many valuable resources this network has to offer.

Join Will Bonsall — renowned seed saver and founding director of the Scatterseed Project — for a discussion on pseudograins! The growing commercial demand for these non-grain seed crops has proven what many have known for thousands of years; Pseudograins are not limited to their uses as forage material or cover crops. This workshop will explore the many advantages of pseudograins like buckwheat, amaranth, or quinoa in organic/transitioning growing systems as well as the best planting and processing methods for small-scale, low-tech operations.