Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** organic growers need new crops,…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** organic growers need new crops, markets, and rotation options supported by varieties that are developed specifically for organic conditions. Our long-term goal is to provide organic gardeners, growers, processors, and consumers with an alternative crop, food, and raw material that will be economically rewarding and sustainable. Currently, organic barley end-uses and markets are stratified due the presence of an adhering hull and grain β-glucan content. We are characterizing and breeding naked barley with modest levels of β-glucan to create varieties suitable for brewing, feed use, and that will meet FDA guidelines for soluble fiber in human diets. Development, assessment, and breeding of multi-use naked barley will be conducted under organic conditions in five states (or, CA, MN, WI, & NY) using four classes of germplasm: a naked barley blend targeted to K-12 students and home gardeners, a large diversity panel to apply genetic data to improve barley for organic systems, a modified nested association mapping panel developed as a breeding population targeting traits important for organic systems, and multi-regional trials to identify advanced varieties for release. We will evaluate agronomic and multi-use quality traits and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Workshops will educate stakeholders on best management practices and processing procedures. Our outreach efforts will familiarize students, gardeners, growers, processors, and consumers with the benefits of naked barley varieties and provide guidance for capitalizing on the advantages these varieties can offer through case studies highlighting bakers, chefs, maltsters, and brewers.