Arizona has a robust farming economy with over 26 million acres in production. Grain production represents a good portion of the farming economy with a total value of $32 million. However, most of the grains are grown as commodity and processed in large milling facilities. The market value is relatively low. There is an opportunity in Arizona to develop a regional grain economy by promoting the production of locally-grown heritage grains and then processing them through stone-mills with limited bleaching and processing of the flours. This creates value-added grain products that are healthier and more wholesome. There has been great desire from Arizona growers to expand heritage grain production, however there is a lack of available processing and packaging facility to support the increasing market demand.
Barrio Grains was awarded a 2019 LFPP Planning Grant allowing Barrio Grain to explore the possibility of establishing a community-based local grain enterprise to process, aggregate, market, and distribute locally grown and processed wheat in Southern Arizona. Barrio Grains is now ready to implement the first phase of this enterprise, the goals of which are to 1) develop Southern Arizona heritage grain economy; 2) improve the economic viability of local grain producers and food business owners; 3) expand the local heritage grain market; and 4) stimulate rural/tribal economy’s recovery after COVID-19. Barrio Grains’ enterprise is expected to aggregate and distribute over 200,000 pounds of local grain in the first years of operation and is expected to retain or create 8-10 jobs through this endeavor.
