Staple Crops & Local Food Systems w/ Michelle Ajamian

What are staple crops and what role do they plan in sustainable, regional food systems? We’re talking with Michelle Ajamian, founder of Shagbark Mill, about localized food systems, growing and processing staple crops like corn and beans and we’re going to explore how growers, producers and consumers come together to decide what kind of food system we want for ourselves and our communities.Michelle Ajamian launched the Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative in 2009 and she is the cofounder of Shagbark Seed & Mill, an organic processing facility dedicated to the development of a regional model for the production and processing of staple grain, bean, oilseed, and nut crops. Today, Michelle is joining us on the show to talk about her work at Shagbark Mill, staple foods and the role that they play in a sustainable local food system. You can learn more about Shagbark Seed & Mill and order their products at:https://shagbarkmill.com/ Learn about the Appalachian Staple Food Collaborative at https://ruralaction.org/our-work/sustainable-agriculture/asfc/ Check out the Craft Millers Guild at https://www.craftmillersguild.com/ It’s seed starting season here at Small House Farm! Are you ready to get your garden started? Browse our selection of organically-grown herb, flower and heirloom vegetable seeds at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/seed-collection/ Support the Seeds & Weeds Podcast by joining our Patreon community for as little as $3/month!Check it out and sign up at https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm Connect with us!Join our special Seeds & Weeds Facebook Community!IG: @small_house_farmFB: @smallhousefarmYT: @smallhousefarmwww.seedsandweedspodcast.com Support the showSupport for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.comSupport the show