A live wheat field will sprout from the streets of the nation's capital this week, as the Wheat Food Council and dozens of industry partners host the Urban Wheat Field.

The lush, green field is one-quarter acre in size and will help teach food literacy via farm-to-fork wheat education. Various representatives of state and regional wheat industry groups will unite to deliver an authentic experience to city dwellers and key influencers during the event.

Experts in the areas of wheat agriculture, milling, baking and nutrition will guide visitors through each phase of the grain's life cycle, engaging them in hands-on activities and demonstrations along the way.

"Coming off the success and excitement of New York's Urban Wheat Field two years ago, we're looking forward to strengthening our message and enhancing the experience at the Washington, D.C. event," says Aaron Harries, marketing director for Kansas Wheat. "Our members and partners are sending more people, providing more resources and really going above and beyond to capitalize on this extraordinary, high-visibility educational opportunity."

The 2008 Urban Wheat Field reached thousands of consumers, generating positive personal relationships between farmers and consumers, a hands-on learning environment for young people involved in scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs and 4-H. It was an event that members of the Wheat Foods Council were eager to duplicate.

"This is a great opportunity for the agriculture industry to connect with consumers. It is a unique display that grabs attention, then allows consumers to speak directly to farmers and others in the wheat industry, allowing us to answer all kinds of questions, from production to nutrition," says Cindy Falk, nutrition educator for Kansas Wheat.

Preceding the event, NAWG will host a reception for congressional staff members to experience the event and meet with representatives from their individual state wheat commissions. To learn more, visit the Wheat Foods Council's website.