Grains: Where would we be without them? Though keto and paleo diets are all the rage, we remain steadfastly grateful for grains, which are responsible for some of our favorite things to eat and drink, like pizza, bread and, of course, beer. The Annual Philadelphia Grain & Malt Symposium, now in its fifth year, is taking on 2021 with a virtual, two-day gathering, taking place on Monday and Tuesday, March 8 and 9, 2021.
The grain and malt industry involves and includes so many people and professions, like food and beverage producers, farmers, researchers and consumers. This symposium provides the community with a platform to share knowledge, expand networks and showcase products made with local grains. This year is an especially vital time for the industry to connect and support one another; the COVID-19 has posed numerous challenges, including interruptions to the grain supply chain, stalled research, restaurant closures, and production scaling issues for artisans. Millers experienced an increased demand for flour by budding home bakers (hello, sourdough!), while farmers explored direct to consumer market outlets and online sales. Outdoor farmers markets and CSAs exploded in popularity. Social unrest, racial injustice and escalation of the climate have accelerated conversations about economic equity, labor rights, sustainability and other big questions. There are many topics for the grain and malt industry to seriously consider, and this symposium will allow space for those conversations.
“With the pandemic keeping us apart, virtual events like the Philadelphia Grain & Malt Symposium play an important role in maintaining the growth that local grain agriculture has achieved over the last several years,” says Matt Farber, PhD, Brewing Science Certificate Program & Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of the Sciences. “It keeps members of the supply chain connected; it provides educational opportunities for inspiration and improvement; and it raises awareness of the importance of local grains in the community.”
Farber co-founded the Philadelphia Grain & Malt Symposium in 2016 with Mark Brault, the founder/owner of Deer Creek Malthouse, located in Glen Mills, PA.
Brault says, “Grain is the bedrock of community. The opportunity to shorten the supply chain and leverage relationships to overcome challenges is more apparent than ever. This annual convening event aims to strengthen the regional grain value chain for ALL stakeholders through education, networking, and sharing products. We are excited about the virtual format this year, which allows for more participation from stakeholders outside the Mid-Atlantic region.”
The symposium, which is hosted by the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, began centered around craft brewing pros and fans, and has evolved over the past five years to include leaders in grain-centered technology, education and culinary tourism. Because this year’s event is taking place virtually (on Zoom), there is the opportunity for even more participants to get involved, regardless of location.
Though it’s all virtual, the symposium has plenty of opportunity for interactions. In addition to discussions, round tables and lectures, there are a number of virtual tours set up (like a behind-the-scenes look at the 1730s-era stone ground flour mill at Castle Valley Mill in Doylestown, PA, and a walk through of Philadelphia Distilling. There are also demonstrations, like whole grain pizza dough making with Alex Bois of Lost Bread Co., and creating pasta shapes with Chris Wright and Gina Rubinetti of The Pasta Lab.
In celebration of the symposium, Troegs Independent Brewing has produced an awesome beer made with organic PA spelt and fresh spelt baguettes (!) in collaboration with local farmers, maltsters, bakers and brewers. This special brew will be released in conjunction with the 2021 symposium, and it will be available for sale at Troegs in Hershey, PA, and through select retailers in Philly.
Registration for the 5th Annual Philadelphia Grain & Malt Symposium opens on Wednesday, February 10. Tickets are just $12 for both days of programming! Whether you’re connected to this part of the food industry or you’re just hungry to learn more, register through the symposium’s website.
- Logo: Philadelphia Grain & Malt Symposium
- Photos: BigStock
