In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist Jeff Schahczenski talks about the more than 30 year history of the development of the organic pulse and legume industry in Montana and beyond.

His conversation is with David Oien, founding farmer and CEO of Timeless Foods based in Ulm, Montana. David was on the forefront of the sustainable agriculture movement, and his story, along with the other founders of what will become Timeless Foods, is the subject of the popular book Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America.

Timeless Foods now represents dozens of organic farmers growing gourmet legumes and heirloom grains using biologically diverse organic farm systems. Under the brand Timeless Natural Food, this "lentil underground" has grown into a million-dollar enterprise that sells to hundreds of independent natural foods stores and a host of renowned restaurants worldwide.

Related ATTRA Resources:

• Guide for Organic Crop Producers
• Is Organic Farming Risky? Improving Crop Insurance for Organic Farms
• Organic Small Grain Production Overview
• Reducing Tillage Intensity in Organic Production Systems

Other Resources

• Timeless Natural Foods
• Lentil Underground

Contact Jeff Schahczenski via email at [email protected].

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