132. The Power of Flour: The Many Benefits of Local Grain Economies with Heather Coiner of the Common Grain Alliance - a podcast by Mary Kingsley, Emma Kingsley

Have you ever wondered where the ingredients for your bread come from...like really wondered? And why should you care? Today's guest is here to tell us all about how a local grain supply supports local economies, a more resilient supply chain, better quality staple foods for the consumer and better soil health for the region. Heather Coiner is a plant physiological ecologist and co-founder of the Common Grain Alliance, an organization striving for a more connected grain economy in the Mid-Atlantic.
The Common Grain Alliance envisions an integrated grain economy of local and regional businesses that produce nutritious, flavorful and consistent regional grain products for the communities they serve, and helps drive regional interest in— and demand for — regional grain through events, workshops and marketingHeather, holds a PhD in plant physiological ecology from the University of Toronto and co-owns Little Hat Creek Farm, an ecological vegetable farm and wood fired bakery in central Virginia where she lives with her husband and two children. 
Topics discussed:Heather's background as an academic and a bread baker

How the Common Grain Alliance came to beMichael Grantz of Great Day Gardens


How does the CGA operate as a membership organization?Carolina Ground (a similar grain operation out of Asheville)

Jennifer LapsWhy should we care about local grain?

NutritionSupply

Local economiesSoil improvement

Challenges in creating a local grain economySome solutions to the issue of accessibility

sliding scale pricesequipment pools for farmers

businesses that provide traveling services for planting and processingCreating an awareness of the importance of local grains

Little Hat Creek FarmThe idea of horizontal vs vertical integration


Significant accomplishments of CGA Foggy Mountain Pasta 

Next Step ProduceMigrash Farms

Purple MountainMoutoux Orchards CSA

The Grain Stand pilot programWhat are the alternatives if you can't access local grain? 


King Arthur Organic Flour is a good alternative to locally grown grainRestaurants in the Area that support the local grain economy

Albemarle Baking Co Seylou Bakery

Slice VersaMarieBette Cafe and Bakery


Connect with Heather Coiner:Website: Common Grain Alliance



Instagram @commongrainallianceThis Episode is Sponsored by Frank and Oak: Frank&Oak

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Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.comOriginal music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.
Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

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