Our Association
The Northern Grain Growers Association is a “ farm grown” organization. Since 2004 many of the grain growers in Vermont have been gathering together for exchanging ideas, networking, and camaraderie. The initial focus of the group was to enhance organic seed saving, plant breeding, and variety improvement. Over time the group has developed a somewhat broader focus which includes all aspects of grain production. The group meets throughout the year and includes both conventional and organic growers. Summer gatherings are on-farm field days and winter meetings feature guest speakers from around the US and Canada. A core group of farmers work with University of Vermont extension staff to plan events which interest the grain growers. In recent years the interest in local grains has been increasing and the group now includes bakers, local eating enthusiasts, agricultural support personnel, and many beginning farmers.
Our mission: To encourage and support the production, processing, and marketing of grains in Vermont and the surrounding regions.
Purpose/Vision
1. Provide education and outreach to beginning and established farmers:
2. Provide networking opportunities to farmers through newsletters and websites:
3. Develop applied on-farm research that address the questions of the grain growing community
4. Provide mechanisms for seed exchange and improvement among farms
5. Develop plans for increased grain processing infrastructure in the region
