PLANNING FOR AN UPPER MIDWEST ORGANIC GLUTEN-FREE GRAIN VALUE CHAIN: ECONOMIC, FIELD, AND STAKEHOLDER DATA AGGREGATION

Economic Potential: Review and synthesize USDA database cost/return data and conduct interviews with key oat and buckwheat industry actors to begin generating reliable economic data.Agronomic Variety Trials for Oats and Buckwheat: Generate one year of baseline data on vigor, grain quality characteristics (e.g., test weight, groat %, etc.) and yield, by conducting variety trials with readily accessible oat and buckwheat varieties evaluated in an organic system.Stakeholder Network Development: Hold focus groups with growers, processors, end users, and other value chain stakeholders to understand barriers and establish social networks and connections that facilitate the development of markets and supply chains for organic oats and buckwheat; identify agronomic research, education, and outreach priorities; and understand end user interests and needs for regional oat and buckwheat sourcing.Collaboratively develop an Implementation proposal with stakeholders, reflecting the long term goals of creating a resilient and equitable value chain for Midwest organic buckwheat and oats based on findings fromthe above objectives.