The Heritage Grain Trials began with the realization that there is a rich history of diverse grains in this country, though many were no longer regularly grown by communities. Understanding the need to re-learn how to care for these special grains, the idea to begin the heritage grain trials came alive.

From 2016-2021, our predecessor organization the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance (RMSA) worked with a grassroots network of nearly 200 grain growers in varying climates, across the United States (and in some cases globally) in trialing over 250 varieties of ancient and heritage grains including indigenous and alternative (pseudo) grains to determine varieties that can thrive in the changing climate conditions of the 21st century. Through this effort, 20 of the most adaptive and resilient varieties of cereal grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, of which there was enough seed stock, were selected for formal replicated research trials at four locations in the Mountain West.

Results of both the participatory grassroots trials and the research trials, including grower and grain profiles, are documented into the Heritage Grain Guidebook in an effort to inform and inspire others to grow these unique varieties of grains, and to support regionalized grain networks and localized food systems.