WI Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes’ on Rye Revival
As Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, I’ve traveled all over the state listening to the stories of individuals from all walks of life.
Most recently, I had the special opportunity to hear directly from those who are part of an effort known as the “Rye Revival.”
What is “Rye Revival,” you may ask?
It is a coalition of culinary profesionals, farmers, and researchers in Wisconsin who are dedicated to cultivating rye to the benefits it has to our health and to the environment.
Our first stop was at Taliesin. For those who aren’t familiar, Taliesin is the home, studio, school, and agricultural estate of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. They run a Food Artisan Immersion Program, where rye has been a crucial ingredient and a key part of reinvigorating the land.
WI Lt. Gov Mandela Barnes (far right) sits with Sandy Syburg (center) and two loaves of 100% rye sourdough bread, donated by Black Rooster Food, discussing rye’s great potential at Taliesin.
Next we went to a great bakery called Madison Sourdough and saw how they use rye along with other local grains to make bread as well as a variet of baked items.
Last but not least, we stopped at Alice’s Garden, which is an urban community garden in Milwaukee, working to restore traditions connected to land and food. While we were there, we talked about how rye has the potential to be a central part of urban agriculture in cities like Milwaukee.
After going on this tour and hearing many different perspectives, it’s clear that the “Rye Revival” in Wisconsin touches on several different issues—from economci development and food equity and security to climate change and health outcomes.
WI Lt. Gov Mandela Barnes (middle left) in conversation with Taliesin farmer Gary Zimmer (middle right) looks across a field of organic rye at Taliesin, in Spring Green, WI.
In fact, the goals of the “Rye Revival” align with some of the recommendations put forth by our Task Force on Climate Change. One of those goals is regenerative agriculture, which is an apporach to food and farming that focuses on regenerating topsoil while enhancing the whole ecosystem. It not only promotes healthy soil—it also helps to defend against climate change.
I’ve always believed that politics works best when we listen directly to poeple about the issues that impact their lives. And I’m proud tat Wisconsinites those involved with “Rye Revival” are taking steps at the local level to rejuvenate our economy, build community, and protect our environment.
Thank you for reading.
Mandela
P.S. If you’d like to take part in “Rye Revival,” consider visiting Madison Sourdough, Alice’s Garden, and Taliesin.