Milling Journal - Q2 2008 - (Page 33) also in the total number of acres planted. This crop diversity grew out of the need for producers to identify crops that provide better profit potential when prices for commodities such as barley, wheat and corn were very low. As consumers discover the high quality and health benefits of these specialty crops, demand will continue to increase. There are now many locally-owned specialty crop suppliers that work directly with growers to source these crops for regional, national and international food processors, many of which are looking for non-genetically modified and organic alternatives. These growers and suppliers have worked with the NCI to expand the knowledge of specialty crops through our courses and technical processing. In 2006, NCI hired Dr. Mehmet Tulbek, a native of Turkey, as a crop quality and utilization specialist to expand our capabilities and activities in specialty crops, especially oilseeds, pulses (e.g., peas, lentils, and chickpeas) and dry edible beans. As a result of our work with specialty crops, we now offer short courses that focus on flaxseed, dry peas, soy flour in baking, and whole grains in breads, extruded products and pasta. Courses focusing on other specialty crops are expected in the future. “I believe we are in uncharted waters when it comes to the issues facing agriculture today ” Brian Sorenson, NCI fuels; however, this is a very complex issue involving short crop supplies and extremely high energy prices and shipping costs. One way NCI can help our regional agriculture is by working to increase the utilization of co-products, including distillers grains from the production of ethanol. It is our objective for the future that distillers grains will see increased use in animal feed, industrial products and human food products. There are a tremendous number of opportunities ahead and our goal at NCI is to identify those areas where we can best help the region’s agricultural producers. Frank Zaworski, editor The Future at NCI I expect new things will come along that will require our attention and activity. The diversity of our global food economy will bring about new crops, new processes and new markets on which to focus. The current trends toward healthy eating will continue to drive interest in whole grain products, as well as new processes to best utilize them. I also see increased interest in the pulse crops, not only for export, but also for the changing interests of U.S. food consumers. I believe we are in uncharted waters when it comes to the issues facing agriculture today, such as high fuel, fertilizer and land prices, and time will tell where this cycle will take us. Producers have a tremendous opportunity at the present time, but a return to low commodity prices in the near future would be devastating to our region’s agricultural producers if faced with incredibly high input costs. Another concern is the short supply and high prices of food around the world, recently resulting in riots and demonstrations in a number of developing countries. Certain politicians and news media are blaming the world’s food problems on the expanding use of corn and oilseeds for bioResponse No. 331 MILLING JOURNAL Second Quarter 2008 33 http://www.indfumco.com http://www.indfumco.com
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