Walter Goldstein is a corn breeder and founder of the Mandaamin Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to developing nutrient-rich, nitrogen-efficient, GMO resistant corn for organic farmers. After earning his MSc and PhD in agronomy from Washington State University, Walter spent 25 years leading research at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute before launching Mandaamin in 2011.

Walter began breeding corn in 1989 in response to organic farmers seeking better nutrition and performance. His work has led to breakthrough varieties that not only fix nitrogen naturally—reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers—but also show superior nutrient density, with higher levels of protein, methionine, lysine, carotenoids, and essential minerals and resist pollination by GMOs. 

These hybrids have shown strong performance in trials across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, under low-input conditions.

Guided by biodynamic principles, Walter’s “partnership breeding” approach recognizes plants as living beings in relationship with their environment, especially the microbes that help them thrive. Through decades of research, collaboration, and observation, he has become a national leader in breeding corn that can restore both ecological and human health. Today, Walter continues to expand this work and releases hybrids together with the Foundation Organic Seed company.