Whether you missed the live session or want to revisit the valuable insights shared by our guest speakers, the full recording is now available to watch at your convenience.

Building a resilient regional grain economy takes more than great harvests—it takes the connections that help grain move from field to market. Whether you're a farmer, miller, baker, maltster, brewer, distiller, or buyer, knowing who to work with—and being ready to work together—is essential.

This is the first in a two-part series. Our second webinar, planned for late September, will build on this foundation by exploring shared standards for five key crops—soft wheat, hard wheat, corn, barley, and oats—and we hope to welcome a guest speaker to discuss organic transition and market opportunities.

During this interactive webinar, we explored how CGA and the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) are working together to grow the regional organic grains marketplace. We walked through several new and updated tools designed to build a stronger grainshed:

The Annual Member Survey: One of our most critical tools to measure the impact of the Mid-Atlantic grain economy. We aggregate this data to advocate for our grain systems and achieve funding to meet our goals. Please complete this 30-minute survey by October 9th.

Wholesale Inquiry Tool: A public-facing form on the CGA homepage under "Shop Grain" where buyers list their preferences. CGA members can review and claim these inquiries in real-time.

Interactive Asset Map: A living map showing CGA members by their primary roles, alongside certified organic growers, processors and TOPP grain-growing mentees, helping us visualize and connect our regional network.

Grower Evaluation Tool: A quick, 10-to-20-minute interactive form that assesses a grower's market readiness, provides specialized feedback, and delivers a customized follow-up document packed with resources.

Voices from the Grainshed

Our featured guests, Aaron Grigsby of Deep Roots Milling (operating the historic, water-powered Woodson’s Mill in Lowesville, VA) and Craig McClung of All Farm Organics (a certified organic farm in Louisa, VA), shared what successful regional partnerships look like in practice:

The Miller's Perspective: "A one-time grain purchase isn't going to get you very far. If you really give attention to those relationships and nurturing them, you're going to be in a lot better position down the road... work with growers and figure out what works for them, not just what you want to mill."

 — Aaron Grigsby, Deep Roots Milling

The Farmer's Perspective: "Recognizing from the miller side how clean the grain really has to be before it gets to the stone...you have a different appreciation. It's one thing to plant it and grow it...but you appreciate how much work it really takes to get something that's [market] ready."

 — Craig McClung, All Farm Organics

While these convenings are supported through CGA's work* to strengthen opportunities for organic and transitioning producers, the tools and conversations are relevant to anyone interested in building a stronger regional grain economy.

*This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).