2010 Kneading Conference, Skowhegan, Maine

The idea for the Kneading Conference began with a group of Skowhegan residents, oven builders, millers and bakers who were motivated by the critical need to address wheat production in light of a growing local food movement. The first Kneading Conference was held in July of 2007 in the heart of Somerset County, where wheat production fed over 100,000 people annually in the mid 1800's. With the advent of transcontinental railroads which provided cheap transportation, and the appeal of the rich topsoil and longer growing season of the central plains, grain farming in Maine declined. Today less than 1% of Maine's wheat demand is actually grown in Maine. Reviving wheat varieties that succeed in Maine's climate is not only a realistic goal, but a critical one in light of rising transportation costs and the recognition that food security must rely on local farms.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Bread
• grains
• wheat
• wood fired