Research project GRAANWAARDIG: Collaborating around ancient grain varieties

In progress GRAWA 01/02/2024 → 31/01/2026

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Koen Willekens

ILVO researcher

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General introduction

Can ancient grain varieties be used to create a sustainable new chain from farmer to processor when those grains are grown agroecologically and processed directly by a local baker? Experiments are being conducted around this question in a limited setting of an operational group, both in terms of cultivation and baking techniques, as well as with an additional economic analysis. The researchers are therefore also looking at the financial feasibility and fair pricing throughout the chain, with an eye on risk spreading and agroecology. Concretely, the group consists of about 5 farmers and one bakery group from Hofstade, which has an important expertise in 'slow' bread making (5 resting times or 'proofs') and in 'yesterday's' bread (using ancient grains). This GrainWaardig project is a continuation of an earlier project with roughly the same members and objective, namely the Grain Farmers with Nature project.

Research approach

ILVO and INBO are responsible for soil, crop and nature monitoring in and around the fields where old cereals are grown agroecologically. The farmer research group organizes the dissemination and especially the sharing of knowledge on old cereal varieties. Through the input of ILVO's agricultural economists, the group also acquires insights into the sustainable business plan around cultivation: which key factors need to be aligned in order to acquire fair added value at all the different links in the chain? Ancient grains yield fewer kilos of grain than, say, conventional wheat, but short-chain sales can perhaps create enough financial returns, and there are ecological added values.

Relevance/Valorization

GrainWaardig is expected to facilitate sustainable, transparent, long-term cooperation from within the group. After the project period of the operating group ends, the intention is that the cooperation between the various parties will continue autonomously.