Ancient Corn,
Heritage Grains
and Beans

Growing Delicious, Nutrient-Rich, Ecologically
Adapted Food Crops

Southwest Grain Collaborative began with the opportunity to scale up production of ancient landrace corn for a new market, and quickly expanded to include heritage small grains and beans, particularly varieties adapted to the Southwest that have been planted for many generations by local farmers. Farmers and customers alike value growing traditional staple crops with regenerative organic practices.

The ongoing cultivation of these open-pollinated heirloom varieties, appreciated for their deliciousness, is an important example of the in situ conservation of crop genetic diversity. By supporting plantings of small acreages across a range of biogeographically varied locations, our work is helping to restore what was once an abundant, self-sustaining, and resilient regional farming culture.