Projects & Initiatives

OUR WORK IN ACTION

Giving Rise to the Regional Grainshed

Common Grain Alliance advances a resilient, connected regional grain economy by bringing farmers, processors, buyers, and communities together around shared challenges and opportunities.

Much of our work is supported through time-limited, grant-funded projects—but the relationships, tools, and systems we build are designed to last.

Across our projects, CGA focuses on strengthening supply chains, supporting farmers through transition, building market demand for regional grains, and addressing the infrastructure barriers that limit growth.

Below are examples of how this work is taking shape today, along with selected projects that continue to inform our efforts.

Program Areas

We work to strengthen connections between grain growers, processors, and end users by improving coordination, transparency, and shared understanding across the value chain. Our projects focus on market alignment, business relationships, and system-wide planning that supports long-term viability.

VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT

Strengthening relationships, standards, and coordination across the regional grain economy.

Growing regional grain systems requires strong markets, and we work to grow demand for regional grain by helping buyers and consumers understand its value. Through educational materials, and market research, and public-facing programming, we support grain-to-table initiatives, clarify sourcing expectations, and strengthen the market pathways that connect regional producers with end users across the Mid-Atlantic.

MARKET DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

Building demand and market clarity for regionally grown grain and grain-to-table products.

From grain cleaning and storage to aggregation and logistics, infrastructure plays a critical role in regional grain economies. Through assessments, mapping, and facilitated stakeholder conversations, we help identify gaps and support shared solutions that enable regional grain systems to scale sustainably.

INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATION

Identifying and supporting the shared infrastructure needed for resilient regional grain systems.

Strengthening Virginia’s Spirits Industry

Through Regional Grain Supply Chain Development

July 2025 – June 2026
Funded by the Virginia Spirits Board, VDACS

This project supports Virginia distillers and grain producers by strengthening connections across the grain-to-glass supply chain. CGA is working with distillers, farmers, maltsters, and processors to expand opportunities for sourcing Virginia-grown grain while addressing infrastructure and market barriers that limit local sourcing.

While this project is focused on Virginia’s spirits industry, the strategies and resources developed through this work extend beyond state lines. By advancing grain-to-glass market development, infrastructure mapping, and supply chain coordination, CGA is generating models and tools that can be applied across the Mid-Atlantic. These efforts strengthen regional grain markets more broadly by improving market signals, supporting shared infrastructure planning, and deepening connections between grain producers and end users throughout the region.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Mapping grain handling and processing infrastructure in Virginia

  • Facilitated conversations to identify shared infrastructure solutions

  • Consumer education around grain-to-glass production and Virginia terroir

  • Industry convenings and technical sessions for distillers and grain producers

Program Areas:

Building the Organic Grain Network:

Strengthening Community Coordination in the Mid-Atlantic Grainshed

January – September 2026
USDA Transition to Organic Partnerships Program (TOPP)

Building on CGA’s regional supply chain assessment, this project focuses on developing the social and organizational infrastructure needed for supply chain communication, shared standards, and market readiness.

While this project focuses on organic and transitioning grain producers in alignment with TOPP requirements, it also benefits the broader CGA membership. The systems, tools, and networks we are piloting—such as improved traceability, shared standards, and coordinated supply chain practices—can be adapted across the regional grain economy. By testing these approaches in the organic sector, CGA is building solutions that support all growers, processors, and buyers in the Mid-Atlantic, helping to strengthen supply chains, improve market readiness, and create lasting infrastructure for regional grain systems.

Activities include:

  • Supply chain readiness tools for growers, processors, and buyers

  • Pilot partnerships with food hubs to test aggregation and distribution models

  • Development of shared packaging, labeling, and verification standards

  • Expanded organic-focused training at the Mid-Atlantic Grain Conference

  • Regional convenings for organic and transitioning producers

Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand

2021 to Present
Pilot Program with FRESHFARM, funded by a

USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant

The Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand pilot established a new direct-to-consumer channel for local grains, connecting CGA members with farmers market customers in the D.C. area.

This initiative continues to raise awareness of Mid-Atlantic grains, strengthen local supply chains, and create measurable economic benefits for participating farmers and vendors. By piloting new models for direct-to-consumer sales, the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand continues to inform CGA’s approach to regional grain marketing and community engagement.

In 2023 and 2024:

  • Local grains from 11 CGA growers and processors were aggregated and sold at four weekly farmers markets.

  • A CSA-style Grain Share program distributed 989 grain shares.

  • The program generated over $75,000 in sales across 25,139 transactions, demonstrating strong consumer interest in regional grains.


Learn about the ongoing work with the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand on FRESHFARM’s website

Program Areas:
Market Development & Consumer Education · Regional Grain Supply Chain Development

Foundational work WITH Lasting Impact

Selected Past Projects

Regional Grain Supply Chain Assessment

This assessment identified key barriers and opportunities for food-grade grain systems across the Mid-Atlantic. Findings continue to guide CGA’s infrastructure planning, organic transition work, and market development projects. This project was funded by a Virginia USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

Previous TOPP Programming

CGA delivered field days and community-based programming to support farmers exploring organic transition. Lessons learned informed the design of current coordination tools and training programs.

Leadership Skill Training for Veterans and Farmers of Color

In partnership with Future Harvest CASA, Fields 4 Valor, and the Million Acre Challenge, CGA helped design and deliver a culturally responsive training program supporting socially disadvantaged farmers. Each cohort receivesd nine months of free, multi-modal training—including classroom instruction, on-farm learning, online courses, and one-on-one mentorship. The program equiped participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to advance their careers and operate successful, profitable farms.

Interested in our Work?

CGA’s projects evolve as new opportunities emerge, but our commitment to building a strong regional grain economy remains constant.

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