New local products available- wheat flour and popcorn!

As interest in local food and demand for local products increases in our area, farmers and local food advocates are looking for more ways to fill the gaps in our local food system. One area being explored and expanded in the last several years is local grain production. We are pleased to add locally grown wheat flour and popcorn to our list of offerings!

The rising cost of the global grain crop in the last decade is also driving the demand for locally grown wheat and other grains. Bakery owners have been part of the push for local grain production in Western Mass. Although the Northeast was once considered the “breadbasket” of the United States, now most of our grain is grown in the Midwest or in other countries. Grain varieties that are well suited to New England’s soils and climate have been largely lost. A number of farmers have been working to restore seed supplies for grains suitable both for our region and for organic and low-spray practices.

One farm leading the way in local grain production is Four Star Farms in Northfield. Originally sod farmers, owners Bonnie and Gene L’Etoile have diversified their farm to include crops of wheat, barley, buckwheat, straw and dried hops. They custom grind their wheat fresh for each order. We will have 1 lb. bags of their flour for sale starting next week! Freshly ground flour contains far more nutrients and has a superior taste. We recommend keeping fresh ground flour in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. The ground whole-wheat flour is from soft white winter wheat berries, suitable for a wide variety of baked goods. We will also be selling delicious popcorn from farmer Ray Young of Hadley. Ray worked for many years at Hadley’s Food Bank Farm and now runs the new CSA farm Next Barn Over.