Mills To Benefit From Federal Grant

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- Mills in Maine that produce organic wheat flour will be getting a major boost from U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan was in Portland Friday to announce a 1.3 million dollar grant for the University of Maine at Orono.

Researchers will use the money to find the the best grain variety for Maine's climate as well as taste and production value.

Right now there is not enough local organic wheat flour to meet the demand from bakers and restaurants throughout the state.

Jim Amaral, who owns Borealis Breads started using organic whole wheat flour grown and milled in Aroostoock county ten years ago.

'It is really a way for us to really brand ourselves a Maine made produce with local ingredients and it just helps make better bread.'

The grant will be used to expand the capacity of the mills to produce more organic wheat flour.