ATHENS, OHIO, US — Shagbark Seed & Mill, a certified organic mill that processes organic grain and bean crops, recently announced plans to invest over $128,000 to expand its operations in Athens, Ohio, US.

Utilizing a 5,000-square-foot facility, Shagbark Seed & Mill has been offering single-source Ohio-grown certified organic heirloom grain and dry beans since 2010. The company partners with local farms, restaurants, schools, bakeries and home kitchens across the region.

Shagbark’s plan is to build a seed processing center where businesses from maltsters to tempeh kitchens that use organic crops grown in the region work in an integrated facility with shared services, shipping and receiving and more. Shagbark processes organic varieties of corn, red spring wheat, spelt and beans.

“This investment is going to help us work with more farmers, make more products and connect with more customers throughout the region,” said Michelle Ajamian, founding partner of Shagbark Seed & Mill.

With this investment, Shagbark said it will increase its electricity capacity, allowing for improvements in efficiency and new equipment. These improvements will alleviate the backlog, reduce energy costs and significantly increase production. The project also marks a key milestone in the company’s long-term strategy to expand into a larger facility and scale operations.