Nutritional Hi-A Corn Tortillas and Chips for Healthy Living and Sustainable Agriculture

Commodities

Practices

PI Dr. Xu has developed superior corn hybrids with high anthocyanin and antioxidants in cob, grain, and stalk (Figure 1). Our research showed that feeding Hi-A corn improved sheep health and meat aroma (Quadros et al., 2023) and found that key antioxidants rich in our Hi-A corn are undetectable in typical yellow corn; Hi-A corn hybrid TAMZ102 is good for fresh ears, chips, and tortillas (Xu et al., 2023). The purpose of this project is to conduct on-farm research and demonstration of a specialty Hi-A corn (with high anthocyanins and high antioxidants) for the corn tortillas and chips as a model for vertical integration of field production, storage, and processing Hi-A corn for high-value and high-health attributes can be a great source of income, this is both feasible and reliable for small and medium sized farmers and ranchers.

The primary objective is to conduct on-farm research demonstrating the value of Hi-A corn as a source of high-value food and feed. Developing a commercial corn hybrid takes up to 10 years and involves two stages: developing superior inbred lines, and producing experimental hybrids, followed by testing to select the best candidates. With support from the Texas Corn Producers Board and High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, we have reached the final stage of Hi-A™ corn hybrids development, demonstrating quality for the fresh produce market, health benefits, and good yields. With the development complete, this SARE grant will fund efforts to integrate and establish this technology across small farms and ranches.

This project aims to facilitate the adoption of Hi-A corn by providing the best practices for producing nutritious food and feed. There is a growing trend for health-conscious and functional foods among consumers, with an increasing willingness to pay a premium for products that promote well-being. Hi-A corn fits perfectly into this emerging market due to its high anthocyanin content, which provides notable health benefits. The distinctive color of Hi-A corn serves as a visual indicator of its nutritional value, helping to differentiate it in the marketplace. Engaging with retailers like H-E-B not only highlights the value of Hi-A corn as a healthy, local produce option but also provides direct market access for small-scale producers. Farmers who have grown Hi-A corn have noted its ability to thrive under challenging conditions, including heat and drought. They have also highlighted its resilience to pests and diseases, making it particularly suitable for organic systems. Hi-A corn's compatibility with organic practices supports environmentally responsible farming. By reducing synthetic inputs, Hi-A corn supports soil health, ecological balance, and reduces chemical runoff. This new genetic technology enables producers to generate income from small plots, optimize limited irrigation, and reduce production risks. Practices like crop rotation and reduced irrigation make Hi-A corn favorable for water-scarce regions. Cultivating Hi-A corn helps achieve broader sustainability goals, such as conserving water and improving soil health.

The extension component will play a key role in adoption. We will provide educational programs, including field demonstrations and web-based publications, to help producers learn best practices. This extension effort will target small-scale producers across Texas, with a particular focus on helping them integrate Hi-A corn into existing production systems. The goal is to maximize small acreage profitability, contributing to rural economic stability.

Our approach includes on-farm demonstrations, workshops, webinars, online resources, and social media. Producers will receive step-by-step guidance on Hi-A corn production, from seed selection to post-harvest handling. We plan farm tours and community events to raise awareness and encourage consumer demand. Community cooking events, taste tests, and nutritional information sessions will also be organized to emphasize the unique benefits of Hi-A corn to consumers, helping generate demand from the ground up. The 'buy local' movement is gaining traction, with retailers like H-E-B showing interest in Texas-grown produce. Rob Morton, former director of healthy living at H-E-B, states the company is eager to promote nutritious, locally grown products like Hi-A corn, aligning with their commitment to healthier choices. The growing 'buy local' trend aligns with Hi-A corn, supporting nutrition, local farmers, and sustainability.

Hi-A corn hybrids have several environmental advantages. Their shorter growth cycle makes them more water-efficient, crucial for the arid regions of Texas. Furthermore, the high anthocyanin content in Hi-A corn offers additional benefits, such as potential resistance to certain pests and diseases, and reducing chemical inputs. The entire plant can be used as feed, minimizing waste and improving efficiency.

Another critical component of this project is assessing the economic potential of Hi-A corn for small-scale farmers. By promoting Hi-A corn as a specialty crop, small-scale farmers can access niche markets that value quality over quantity, leading to greater economic returns even with smaller land resources. On-farm trials across Texas will gather data on yield, input requirements, and market demand. This data will help develop enterprise budgets, allowing producers to understand potential returns.

The involvement of cooperators such as Kevin Igo of Halfway Farm Chemical, Seth Fortenberry of New Deal Grain Inc., and Joe Longoria of CASA RICA Tortillas will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this project. These partners will assist with on-farm research, buy Hi-A grains, and promote the product in local markets. Their collaboration will help build a reliable supply chain, ensuring that farmers have a consistent outlet for their harvests, while also helping to increase consumer awareness and acceptance of Hi-A corn.

In summary, this project proposes a comprehensive solution to enhance the economic viability of small-scale farms by integrating Hi-A corn production. By developing and extending best management practices for growing this high-value crop, we can help small farmers achieve greater profitability, conserve valuable resources, and offer consumers a nutritious, locally grown product. The adoption of Hi-A corn has the potential to transform small-scale agriculture in Texas, creating opportunities for income generation and contributing to rural economic development.

The project focuses on three primary objectives: identifying optimal hybrid-population combinations, profiling antioxidants, and educating consumers about Hi-A corn health benefits.

Objective 1: Identify the Best Hybrid-Population Combinations: To determine suitable hybrid and plant population combinations under both conventional and organic management practices, two Texas A&M AgriLife Hi-A corn hybrids (TAMZ102 and TAMZ104, both non-GMO) will be tested alongside a commercial white hybrid, Pioneer P1306W. In both 2025 and 2026 seasons a split-plot strip test design with three replications will be utilized.

• Study Design: Varied plant populations—medium at 25,000 plants per acre and high at 28,000 plants per acre. The sub-plot focuses on the hybrids, allowing us to evaluate which hybrid-plant population combination is optimal for specific farm conditions. Each plot will consist of four rows, each 300 feet long, with 30-inch row spacing.
• Data Collection: Record maintained include fertilizers, field operation hours, irrigation, and natural rainfall. Additionally, specific agronomic data such as pollen shedding, silking, plant height, and ear height all meticulously recorded. At physiological maturity, ears from 20-foot sections of center rows will be harvested for grain weight, moisture content, and test weight.
• Harvest and Processing: The remaining plants will be harvested separately by hybrid and used to produce tortillas and chips. Given the manufacturing scale, all grains from each hybrid across all treatments will be bulked for processing to maximize consistency and feasibility in production.
• Vertical Integration and Grain Handling: One critical factor is maintaining separation throughout the value chain. Mr. Igo, a farmer cooperator, will facilitate this vertical integration by ensuring grain storage is handled separately, thereby preserving the identity and quality of Hi-A corn.

Objective 2: Profiling Antioxidants and Grain Composition: A detailed profiling of antioxidants and grain chemical composition will be conducted to understand the nutritional value of Hi-A corn.

• Grain Analysis: Grain samples from each plot will be analyzed for components including oil, protein, and starch content. This analysis will be performed using a Foss Nova Near-Infrared (NIR) spectrometer at Dr. Xu’s lab.
• Antioxidant Profiling: Samples will also be sent to a third-party laboratory for the quantification of antioxidants, focusing on anthocyanins and other polyphenolic compounds. This will allow us to evaluate the comparative nutritional advantages of Hi-A corn hybrids.

Objective 3: Manufacture and Educate—From Field to Consumer: The third objective of the project involves the manufacturing of Hi-A corn tortillas and chips, promoting healthy living through nutritious food options, and producing sufficient seeds for large-scale demonstrations.

• Product Manufacturing: Grains harvested from each hybrid will be processed into tortillas and chips, providing an opportunity to evaluate the potential marketability of Hi-A corn as a premium food product. CASA RICA Tortillas will lead the manufacturing process, highlighting the nutritional benefits that Hi-A corn offers over conventional corn.
• Consumer Education and Market Development: On-farm demonstrations, community workshops, and tasting events will highlight the nutritional advantages of Hi-A corn products. These efforts will educate consumers on how incorporating antioxidant-rich foods can benefit their health, especially in the Hispanic community where corn tortillas and chips are staple foods.
• Economic Comparison: Comparative economic analysis will be conducted to assess profitability against typical food-grade corn, focusing on the added value of Hi-A corn to farmers.

Seed Production and Scaling Up for Large-Scale Demonstration: We plan to produce sufficient Hi-A corn hybrid seeds during 2025 to support large-scale demonstrations in 2026 and beyond.

• F1 Hybrid Seed Production: Sufficient seeds of hybrids TAMZ102 and TAMZ104 will be produced in 2025 to ensure large-scale demonstration trials in both conventional and organic farming operations in 2026. These demonstrations will cover approximately 50 acres, involving our two cooperating farmers as well as other participants.
• Commercialization Pathway: The process of commercialization will be initiated with a seed company for the production and distribution of Hi-A corn. It is estimated that the seed company will require 2-3 years to scale up production after entering an agreement with Texas A&M AgriLife Research. During this time, we will produce adequate parent lines and hybrid seeds to facilitate the process.

On-Farm Demonstration and Consumer Education: Selected Hi-A hybrids will be grown in these diverse Texas locations to demonstrate effective management techniques, particularly to small farmers.

• On-Farm Demonstration Network: On-farm demonstrations will serve as a key educational platform, where farmers can observe firsthand the benefits of Hi-A corn, including its adaptability, management ease, and health benefits. These demonstrations will be strategically located across Texas to address the unique conditions of different regions.
• Community Engagement: Field days will be held during critical growth stages to educate both farmers and the community about Hi-A corn. We will organize workshops that focus on hybrid performance, nutrient management, pest control, and irrigation practices. These workshops will be open to a wide range of stakeholders, including small-scale farmers, extension agents, local retailers, and consumers.
• Consumer Health Focus: With tortillas and chips being central to the diet in many Hispanic communities, we aim to highlight the health benefits of Hi-A corn products, such as high anthocyanin content and antioxidant properties. Educational sessions, tasting events, and collaborative cooking demonstrations will be organized in partnership with local food markets and community centers, focusing on the role of Hi-A corn in improving dietary habits.

Integration of Research and Outreach: Throughout this project, we will integrate research with outreach to ensure maximum impact:

• Data-Driven Insights: Data collected from field trials, antioxidant profiling, and consumer feedback will guide the extension programs. Insights will be shared in real time during field days and community workshops, allowing participants to understand both the challenges and successes of cultivating Hi-A corn.
• Farmer-Centric Approach: By focusing on small and mid-sized farms, we aim to provide practical solutions that help these farmers diversify their income, access niche markets, and produce high-value crops. The cooperative farmers involved in this project will be crucial in spreading the message to their peers.
• Linking Farmers to Markets: By involving processors like CASA RICA Tortillas and other local buyers, we aim to create a seamless supply chain that supports both the production and commercialization of Hi-A corn.