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"Unleashing the Potential of MIllets" FAO's IYM Background Paper
by Don Osborn 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

FAO has released a background paper on millets for the International Year of Millets.. The formal citation is: FAO. 2023. Unleashing the potential of millets – International Year of Millets 2023. Background paper. Rome. It can be accessed and downloaded (PDF of 80 pp. total) via https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc7484en . There do not appear to be versions in French, Spanish or the other UN languages at this time. Short description: "This paper includes a synopsis of the current status of millets worldwide and was created to inspire policymakers, farmers, civil society, opinion leaders, research and development agents, and the general public to reconsider the role of millets in diversified and healthy diets." The paper gives a useful overview of millets as a group, with attention to their origins, why they merit attention, challenges & opportunities, their role in diversified and healthy diets, and needs and recommendations for the future. FAO was designated as the coordinating agency for IYM 2023 by the UN General Assembly in the 2021 resolution declaring this observation. DO, EL, MI, US NAMA

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Re: [Collab] Collab Digest, Vol 23, Issue 1
by Gary Wietgrefe 06 Dec '23

06 Dec '23

Since January 2024 is planned for proso, I thought the group would be interested in a 2:35 minute YouTube video I released last Friday. Though we keep encouraging millet use, there really is not much information out there on how and why to put millet into a crop rotation. This quick video, my eighth on millets, tells how to put proso into a wheat/millet/soybean or field pea rotation....Gary Wietgrefe https://youtu.be/5Pot-TWiB6o?si=cOrHSZcq4a4UXYLT On Fri, Dec 1, 2023 at 5:07 AM <collab-request(a)lists.millets2023.space> wrote: > Send Collab mailing list submissions to > collab(a)lists.millets2023.space > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > collab-request(a)lists.millets2023.space > > You can reach the person managing the list at > collab-owner(a)lists.millets2023.space > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Collab digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Teff: November millet-of-the-month (Don Osborn) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:53:19 -0500 > From: Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org> > To: collab(a)lists.millets2023.space > Subject: Re: [Collab] Teff: November millet-of-the-month > Message-ID: > <CA+RHibVWmcLX-Ugpn=N_Bv9z= > 4Lop4amWcTHF4t_n12PqQXzMw(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Quick addendum - November in the Whole Grains Council's "Grain of the > Month" calendar has "Millet(s) and teff" listed. See: > > https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-month-calendar/millet… > > Their grain calendar was one of the inspirations for our "Millet of the > Month" calendar, and these overlap in June with sorghum, and this month > with teff. NAMA of course expands "millets" across the whole year. > > Here again is the current millet of the month calendar. For 2024. there has > been a suggestion to move little millet to February, so that the Panicum > species of millets would be in adjacent months. If you have any suggestions > regarding this ordering, please let us know. > > Jan., proso millet, Panicum miliaceum > Feb., finger millet, Eleusine coracana > Mar., foxtail millet, Setaria italica > Apr., pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum > May, fonio, Digitaria spp. > June, sorghum, Sorghum bicolor > July, barnyard millet, Echinochloa spp. > Aug., little millet, Panicum sumatrense (plus P. hirticaule, sometimes > called Sonoran millet) > Sep., browntop & Guinea, Brachiaria spp. > Oct., kodo millet, Paspalum scrobiculatum > Nov., teff, Eragrostis tef > Dec., adlay/Job?s Tears, Coix lacryma-jobi > > DO, EL, MI, US > NAMA > > > On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 10:27?PM Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org> > wrote: > > > Teff (Eragrostis tef) is our millet-of-the-month in November. Teff is > > native to the Horn of Africa, and a staple in that region - often eaten > in > > the form of injera bread, made with fermented teff flour. > > > > Ninety percent or more of grain teff is grown in Ethiopia. However > > interest in this grain has led to its being grown in other regions, > > including in North America (certain parts of the US, the northwest in > > particular it seems). Some teff is exported from Ethiopia, but most of > what > > one sees in some US groceries is grown domestically (Maskal, Bob's Red > > Mill, Selam, Shiloh Farms, to name a few). Supposedly, Idaho is the > second > > largest producer of grain teff in the world. > > > > Brown teff seems more common, but there are lighter varieties too, > > generally called "ivory teff." The former has a somewhat more robust > > flavor, but the two apparently have different characteristics in baking. > > > > Teff has also become a popular forage crop in the US and Canada. It is > > grown for hay or grazing apparently in half the US states, although > > presumably on relatively small scales. > > > > Here are a few links for more information: > > * General information > > ** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teff > > ** https://www.britannica.com/plant/teff > > ** https://foodrevolution.org/blog/teff/ > > > > * Teff in the US > > ** > > > https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/east-african-grain-teff-grows-in-popu… > > ** > > > https://boisedev.com/news/2022/09/09/whats-teff-idaho-second-highest-produc… > > > > * Culinary aspects of teff > > ** > > > https://creativeinmykitchen.com/all-about-teff-the-ancient-grain-gaining-po… > > ** https://www.thespruceeats.com/teff-gluten-free-whole-grain-3376844 > > > > * Forage > > ** > > > https://forages.osu.edu/sites/forages/files/imce/Teff%20for%20Forage%20Prod… > > > > * A perspective on teff in Ethiopia > > ** > > > https://theconversation.com/ethiopia-needs-to-improve-production-of-its-gol… > > > > > > > > Don Osborn, PhD > > (East Lansing, MI, US) > > North American Millets Alliance > > >

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Teff: November millet-of-the-month
by Don Osborn 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is our millet-of-the-month in November. Teff is native to the Horn of Africa, and a staple in that region - often eaten in the form of injera bread, made with fermented teff flour. Ninety percent or more of grain teff is grown in Ethiopia. However interest in this grain has led to its being grown in other regions, including in North America (certain parts of the US, the northwest in particular it seems). Some teff is exported from Ethiopia, but most of what one sees in some US groceries is grown domestically (Maskal, Bob's Red Mill, Selam, Shiloh Farms, to name a few). Supposedly, Idaho is the second largest producer of grain teff in the world. Brown teff seems more common, but there are lighter varieties too, generally called "ivory teff." The former has a somewhat more robust flavor, but the two apparently have different characteristics in baking. Teff has also become a popular forage crop in the US and Canada. It is grown for hay or grazing apparently in half the US states, although presumably on relatively small scales. Here are a few links for more information: * General information ** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teff ** https://www.britannica.com/plant/teff ** https://foodrevolution.org/blog/teff/ * Teff in the US ** https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/east-african-grain-teff-grows-in-popu… ** https://boisedev.com/news/2022/09/09/whats-teff-idaho-second-highest-produc… * Culinary aspects of teff ** https://creativeinmykitchen.com/all-about-teff-the-ancient-grain-gaining-po… ** https://www.thespruceeats.com/teff-gluten-free-whole-grain-3376844 * Forage ** https://forages.osu.edu/sites/forages/files/imce/Teff%20for%20Forage%20Prod… * A perspective on teff in Ethiopia ** https://theconversation.com/ethiopia-needs-to-improve-production-of-its-gol… Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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FYI: Yale Agrarian Studies (12/1): Dan Saladino (BBC)
by Don Osborn 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

This Friday 12/1 (11am-1pm EST), Yale's Program in Agrarian Studies will host Dan Saladino, BBC journalist and author of *Eating to Extinction: The World's Rarest Foods and Why We Need to Save Them*, for a discussion of his draft paper entitled "Seedbanks: Necessary but not Enough. We Need to Save Entire Food Landscapes." This is part of their colloquium series. This is a bit off from our focus on this list, but the topic seems interesting in the context of crop diversity. Also I'd note that among Mr. Saladino's past articles was one on millets in India, with attention to the case of raishan (Digitaria compacta). The author is not presenting the paper, to maximize time for discussion. so it should be read in advance. For zoom link and access to the paper, subscribe at https://subscribe.yale.edu/login?returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Fsubscribe.yale.edu… ... Alternatively, I think one might contact the Program office by email: agrarian.studies (at) yale.edu I personally have no connection to Yale Agrarian Studies other than being a subscriber to their list, on which I received this information. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance bcc: Yale Program in Agrarian Studies

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Save the date ::: IYM 2023 Global Webinar Series ::: Fonio: enhancing collaboration for sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods::: 29 November 2023, 13:00-14:30 (CET)
by Dimitrova, Zdravka (NSP) 28 Nov '23

28 Nov '23

[cid:image001.png@01DA1958.6D139FB0]<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/events/detail/sixth-webinar-of-the-iym-glo…> S A V E T H E D A T E 29 November 2023 | 13:00-14:30 CET International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 6th Webinar: “Fonio: enhancing collaboration for sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods’’ REGISTER HERE<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LEotJYCWRuGGBIZnnXDJww#/registration> Interpretation will be provided in English, French and Arabic The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing the “IYM Global Webinar Series” to highlight the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and vast potential. Fonio is one of the oldest crops in Africa, and among the world’s fastest maturing cereal (60-70 days). In many Western African countries, fonio plays an important role in household food security and income generation and holds a vital place in cultural identity. Fonio is valued for its high nutrition, and ability to grow in areas of drought and high temperatures. IYM2023 provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote fonio as a globally important crop for the future, and bring together researchers and practitioners from different countries and disciplines to share their work and join forces to promote its use for sustainable agriculture and improving local livelihoods. Join this webinar<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/events/detail/sixth-webinar-of-the-iym-glo…> to learn more about the genetics, taxonomic diversity and distribution of fonio, seed science and conservation, sustainable cultivation practices, potential uses and nutritional values, and opportunities to generate incomes. Agenda Time Agenda item and presenter 13:00 – 13:05 Opening remarks, Mr Paolo Ceci, Technical Cooperation Programme in Saudi Arabia, FAO 13:05 – 14:15 Presentations * Regional partnership to promote conservation and sustainable use of fonio, Ms Claire Billot, CIRAD, and Ms Adeline Barnaud, IRD, France * Genomics to improve fonio varieties, Mr Simon Krattinger, KAUST, Saudi Arabia * Fonio diversity for resilient landscapes, Mr George Burton, Imperial College London / RBG Kew, UK * Nutritional and food technology aspects of fonio, Ms Nadia M.L. Fanou-Fogny, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin * Fonio-fueled sustainable livelihood enhancement, Mr Michel Ghanem, Forgotten Crops Society, France * Fonio as a driving force for empowering women, Ms Fatmata Binta, Fulani Kitchen Foundation, Ghana * New market opportunities for fonio, Mr Pierre Thiam, Yolélé & Teranga, United States of America 14:15 – 14:25 Moderated discussion 14:25 – 14:30 Closing remarks, Ms Sarada Krishnan, Crop Trust, Germany Moderated by Ms Tiziana Ulian, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew (United Kingdom)/ University of Turin (Italy) For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org>

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United colors of millets, and a fragrant foxtail millet
by Don Osborn 27 Nov '23

27 Nov '23

There was some discussion on this list of red proso, and the fact that below the husk of whatever color, the proso grain is usually a shade of yellow or white. Sorghum on the other hand, is known for the variety of colors of its outer coating (pericarp), but apparently also its underlayers (testa) and the endosperm. See https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/agronomy-insights/sorghum-grain-color/ Pearl millet (which like sorghum does not have a hard outer husk, tends to be shades of grey and tan. However, I have seen photos of varieties of pearl millet that shade towards yellow or a variety of colors. See for example this image from an article by Mandira Kapri et al (source with image) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244179611039105341/ Foxtail millet also has a color variation, both of the husk (like proso), but also under the husk - typically yellow, but there are white and black varieties. See this link for a black variety marketed for sale: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244179611033737721/ Teff (our millet of the month in November) can be brown or ivory colored. Finger millet seems to be always reddish, and most other millets seem in my limited exposure to them to have a typical color (usually light) and not much variation. On another topic, Devid Brenner shared an article about a use of CRISPR to create a variety of foxtail millet with a popcorn like fragrance. Foxtail millet does not naturally have much in the range of fragrance as say a grain like rice can have. See: Yanyan Zhang, et al, "De novo creation of popcorn-like fragrant foxtail millet" J. Integr. Plant Biol., 65: 2412-2415. https://doi.org/10.1111/jipb.13556 . The various flavors of millets is a topic that has come up before (and could use some more comparative descriptions, IMO), but the fragrance of millets and their respective varieties is another interesting topic that doesn't seem to have had much attention. Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US - +1 202-621-3911) North American Millets Alliance

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Apply now: OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials Program Deadl…
by Jonathon Landeck 24 Nov '23

24 Nov '23

Hello to Millets Aficionados! Please see this link for an opportunity for support for on-farm research on organically grown millets: https://mailchi.mp/ofrf.org/farmer-led-trials-application-deadline?e=19164e…

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Proso millet mill waste
by Joni Kindwall-Moore 22 Nov '23

22 Nov '23

Hello fellow millet enthusiasts, Does anyone have some sharable information about mill waste during proso millet hulling and flouring? Any links, comments, or experience would be appreciated. Warm regards, Joni *Joni Kindwall-Moore BSN-RN, BA* Founder, CEO, Innovator, Mother, Nurse, Activist *P: 406-334-1608* *www.snacktivistfoods.com <http://www.snacktivistfoods.com/>* *Scan this QR code to experience the Snacktivist Nation! *

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New Executive Director of NGSB
by Don Osborn 20 Nov '23

20 Nov '23

Just came across an item in Morning Ag Clips on the appointment this past August of a new executive director of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board (NGSB), Kristine Dvoracek-Jameson: https://www.morningagclips.com/nebraska-grain-sorghum-board-announces-new-e… Ms. Dvoracek-Jameson succeeds Nate Blum, who of course is now running the international NGO he founded, Sorghum United. The NGSB is an agency of the state of Nebraska, and evidently works alongside the Nebraska Sorghum Producers Association. They share a website at https://nebraskasorghum.org/ It would be a good use of this list to share similar announcements concerning senior position changes in agencies, organizations and companies working with any or all of the millets (among which we are counting sorghum). SImilarly, major new publications or professional achievements relating to millets can also be shared. Our main focus here is North America, but relevant announcements concerning influential positions relating to millets globally are also of interest. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance bcc: NGSB

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Millets Webinar updates: Video of 11th, info on 12th, & more
by Don Osborn 19 Nov '23

19 Nov '23

Dear all, 1) The recording of our 11th Millets Webinar (15 Nov. 2023), which included presentations on uses of millets in animal farming, cover cropping, and other non-food uses, from Dr. Rob Myer and Gary WIetgrefe, is available at https://youtu.be/yCQ5shFxAB8 . This webinar covered various non-food uses of several millets, with focus on North America, and offered some perspectives on the degree to which these collectively appear to be grown on a much larger area, at least in the US, than the usual statistics indicate. 2) Our 12th Millets Webinar, on Wed. 20 December at 5 pm EST, will consider millets in systems. After a series of topic-specific Webinars from Feb. thru Nov., this one will zoom out a bit to look at millets in broader contexts. We are again fortunate to have two distinguished presenters, who will be: Joanna Kane-Potaka, an executive level strategic marketing expert focused on driving demand for smarter foods, who is currently serving as Deputy Director-General of IRRI; and Dr. Kiruba Krishnaswamy, Asst. Professor at the Univ. of Missouri, with joint appt. in the Colleges of Engineering, and of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, and head of the FEAST Lab. 3) While December's Millets Webinar will conclude the series during this International Year of Millets (IYM), we are planning for a January 2024 Webinar with a retrospective on the IYM, and a look forward for NAMA (and partners) and the future of millets in North America. Details forthcoming. 4) Also in January, we are working to have the first of the "second season" of Millets Webinars, with a new thematic approach and format for 2024. A more complete discussion of that and the strategic vision of which it is a part, is also forthcoming. 5) Possible French and Spanish webinars on millets are still very much on the agenda (for 2024), but no more updates on these are planned unless and until there is something definite to announce. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance - co-founder don at milletsalliance.com

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