Heritage Foods and Seeds Corn Nutrition Project
Researcher and organic farming entomologist Munk Bergin from Oregon is showing that adding specific fungi and bacteria to soil will enhance the nutrition of heritage varieties of crops including corn.
His 2008 report and data are on his website: http://www.gardenculture.us/releases/release/5973070/17546.htm
The terroir of a variety of crop can be developed and add value to variety and farmer identified local food and provide climate change solutions to food production
The goals of the Heritage Foods and Seeds - Corn Nutrition Project are:
- encourage the use of heritage varieties of food crops
- enhance the nutritional quality of food crops
- match soil bacteria and fungi species to soil and root environments
- develop value chains and branding opportunities using terroir of a variety from a specific field or region
Soil samples from four farms show initial levels of soil elements and microbiology (fungi and bacteria). Organic production focuses on good soil element and microbiology balance.
Munk's a plant breeder developing varieties for organic farming systems. His 'Blood Brothers' heirloom corn is high in anthocyanin antioxidants. He feels that by adding appropriate organic soil ammendments at planting and during growth the corn will 'thrive' and produce the most nutitious food possible.
The wine industry markets 'terroir' that capitalizes on the grape and wine products. The quality of the product is a synergy of soil, environment and variety genetics interaction. So why not apply that concept to developing 'terroir' in food crops, a concept embraced by the Slow Food movement around the world.
Variety and farmer preservation is a vital part of local food sales and in developing branding of a food product.
'Terroir' of that brand adds to its' value nutritionally and in the market place.
And it all starts with soil health and putting the right soil bugs in the root zone for the plant. Then the plant does the work.
Funding provided by October Hill Foundation (US)
Email Munk: munk@gardenculture.us or phone 541-806-6865