Register for the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair and Conference

The Common Grain Alliance (CGA) recently announced programming for its flagship gathering, the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair & Conference, taking place March 15–16, 2026, across two locations in Pennsylvania. This annual event brings together farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, brewers, distillers, food businesses, educators, and consumers for two days of hands-on learning, collaboration, and celebration across the regional grain value chain. Register today!

Pre-Conference Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair - March 15

Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA

The conference opens with the Pre-Conference Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair, a free, family-friendly event hosted at the Rodale Institute. Designed to be interactive and accessible for all ages, the Grain Fair celebrates regional grains through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and direct engagement with farmers, bakers, millers, and other grain practitioners.

The Grain Fair offers an entry point for anyone curious about regional grains, regenerative agriculture, and the people working to build resilient food systems across the Mid-Atlantic.

Conference Sessions & Speakers - March 16

The Conference Center and Penn State Great Valley

The main conference features sessions spanning the full grain value chain — from soil health and seed selection to milling, baking, brewing, distilling, and market development. To support participation from farming families and small business owners, CGA will offer a Children's Program during conference sessions for children ages 6–12, featuring grain-themed crafts, games, stories, and supervised hands-on activities.

Programming is organized across five core tracks:

• Regenerative & Organic Grain Farming
• Grain Processing, Milling & Quality
• Baking & Food Craft
• Malting, Brewing & Distilling
• Markets, Business & Regional Food Systems

Sessions emphasize practical tools, real-world case studies, and emerging research that support farmer viability, strengthen regional infrastructure, expand food-grade grain markets, and keep value rooted in local communities.

Keynote Address

The 2026 keynote will be delivered by Klaas Martens, pioneering organic grain farmer and educator of Lakeview Organic Grain (Seneca Grain & Bean) in New York. Widely respected for his work in crop rotation, soil health, and biologically balanced grain systems, Martens will explore how farming practices shape grain quality, resilience, and value across the entire grain chain — from field to final product.

Grain-to-Glass Tasting & Featured Collaboration

The conference will close with a Grain-to-Glass Tasting, featuring beverages crafted from regionally grown grains, with space for networking and celebration after a day of education. One highlight of the evening will be a collaborative, malt-forward session ale brewed by Stick City Brewing Company, Pennsylvania's only brewery participating in the 1% for the Planet movement. Created specifically for the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair & Conference, the beer features malted barley from Deer Creek Malt (PA) and Murphy & Rude Malting (VA), showcasing how place, soil, and craft converge into a balanced expression of regional grain.

Registration and Additional Information

For the full program and registration details, visit the 2026 Grain Conference site.