
Links to 6 articles on millets & IYM, with comments
by Don Osborn
Here are references, links, and short descriptions for six popular press
and blog articles on millets and the International Year of Millets (IYM).
They are in reverse chronological order - most are a few months old which
means I haven't been keeping up with my research on them. There are some
more in the hopper that I'll post separately, but feel free to post items
on millets that you find particularly interesting.
"Why 2023 is the International Year of Millets," by Hannah Walhout,
FoodPrint, 5-6 October 2023
https://foodprint.org/blog/international-year-of-the-millets/
(This is a well-researched and link-rich intro to millets, in the context
of the IYM. Plus a recipe. It also mentions the work of: Chef Pierre Thiam,
author and head of Yolélé; Tayler Reinman, grad student in crop science at
Washington State U.; and NAMA co-founder, Joni Kindwall-Moore (head of
Snacktivist). While the angle is US, activities in Senegal and India are
noted. NAMA is mentioned, along with its other co-founders - Jonathon
Landeck and myself.)
https://foodprint.org/blog/international-year-of-the-millets/
"What is Millet?" by Shandra Martinez, Healthier Michigan, 30 Aug. 2023
https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/food-and-recipes/what-is-millet
(A short intro to millets, which has some good info on what is certainly
proso. It mentions the IYM, but approaches the suject as if it is about one
grain.)
"Millet's Moment: The United Nations draws attention to this ancient
grain," by Larry Reichenberger, The Furrow (John Deere), 1 June 2023
https://www.deere.com/en/publications/the-furrow/2023/summer-2023/millet-mo…
(A good intro to millets, with mention of the IYM, focus on proso millet
and sorghum, with mention of teff and óthers.' Features quotes by: Jean
Hediger [see also the article on her, at end of list below]; Chris Stum,
grower in Colorado and president of the High Plains Millet Association;
John Duff, sustainability consultant with National Sorghum Producers; and
our NAMA colleague, Joni Kindwall-Moore, who of course runs Snacktivist
Foods.)
"Millets — ancient drought-resistant grains — could help the Midwest
survive climate change," by Eva Tesfaye, KBIA, 23 May 2023
https://www.kbia.org/2023-05-23/millets-ancient-drought-resistant-grains-co…
(This is essentially the same NPR / Harvest Public Media story and audio
that we discussed briefly on this list last June. Excellent overview, and
worth recycling, especially for those who didn't catch it earlier. It
features: Makiko Taguchi of FAO; three researchers, Dr. Rob Myers of U.
Missouri, Prof. James Schnable of U. Nebraska-Lincoln, and Prof. Ram
Perumal of Kansas State U.; and farmers, Linus Rothermich in Missouri, Matt
Little in Oklahoma, and Jeff Taylor in Iowa.)
"Colorado Farmer Develops Millet Flour Products," by Tim Hammerich, AgInfo
Network / Farm of the Future, 27 April 2023
https://www.aginfo.net/report/56198/Farm-of-the-Future/Colorado-Farmer-Deve…
(Short piece on Roy Pfaltzgrass, Colorado farmer & entrepreneur, who began
growing proso millet in a search for gluten-free products for his wife, and
now markets products made with the flour.)
"Millet is Having a Moment. Is the Ancient Grain Ready for a Resurgence?"
by Lindsay Campbell, Modern Farmer, 27 Dec. 2022
https://modernfarmer.com/2022/12/year-of-millet/
(With mention of the IYM, this article spotlights the farm of Jean Hediger,
who has for some years run a large organic proso millet farm in northern
Colorado, where she is apparently sometimes called the "millet queen."
Reasons for interest in this crop are discussed, and Kelly LeBlanc of
Oldways is quoted. Ms. Hediger also heads an organic proso millet growers
group in the Rocky Mountain states called "Golden Prairie"
https://goldenprairie.com/ .)
Summary thoughts: Most all attention to millets is welcome, esp. during
IYM. It is nice to see items that describe local initiatives that don't get
big press coverage. That said, one can see the "dance" of singular and
plural in some articles, reminding this topic is a bit complicated (because
there are many millets) and evidently not fully familiar to many otherwise
good writers.
Don Osborn, PhD
(East Lansing, MI, US)
North American Millets Alliance
1 year, 11 months

Re: [Collab] SDSN millet webinar series
by Don Osborn
Thank you, Joanna. I was not aware of it, but appreciate your bringing it
to our attention, and am glad that the UN Sustainable Development Solutions
Network (SDSN) is undertaking this project.
A couple of quick related items before brief comments on the SDSN webinar
series as described in your email and on the page you linked to:
* Our (NAMA and University of Missouri) next webinar will be next
Wednesday, 5/17 5 pm EDT; 2 PDT), on millets processing - basically what
happens between harvest and food. It will feature presentations from Bay
State Milling and Simple Kneads. More details forthcoming!
* With the number of webinars being produced on millets and IYM2023, I'm
wondering about a meta-directory of presenters and presentations, and
beyond that, about the potential for reusing this diverse material in some
way (with permissions of course) - perhaps in documenting the IYM. Just
another "thinking ahead" topic...
SDSN's webinar series looks very interesting. It seems like they are
varying the hours, perhaps to accommodate presenters and/or gather diverse
audiences?
I'm hoping they can edit the titles of the webinars, and descriptions of
their content, to use "millets" in plural, in order to be in sync with
messaging on IYM, and indeed on their own page, which also discusses
"millets" in introducing the series topic. After all, these are different
species of crops - not just different varieties - and grains with their own
nutritional and flavor profiles.
All the best,
Don
DO, EL, MI, US
NAMA
Bcc: UN SDSN (info)
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 1:04 AM Joanna Kane-Potaka <
joanna.kanepotaka(a)outlook.com> wrote:
> Dear All
> Have you see this other millet webinar series from the UN Sustainable
> Development Solutions Network (SDSN) - see below or here
> https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets
>
> <https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets>
> SDSN Commemorates International Year of Millets
> <https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets>
> The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM
> 2023) and named the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the lead
> agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration with other relevant
> stakeholders. The objective of IYM 2023 is to raise awareness of, and
> direct policy attention to, the socio-cultural, nutritional, and
> environmental benefits of millet cultivation. The Year will also promote
> their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for
> producers and consumers.
> www.unsdsn.org
>
> Regards
> Joanna
>
> *Webinar Series*
>
> *Webinar 1: History of Millet*
> June 9, 2023 | 5 am EDT | 11 am CEST | 2:30 pm IST | Register
>
> This webinar will describe the different varieties of millet and how they
> were domesticated over millennia, where they are grown, as well as provide
> a general overview of how different cultures use them in cuisine. Featured
> speakers include:
>
> - Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and
> Coordinator of the Chef’s Manifesto
> - Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Executive Chef at ITC Hotels
> - Chubbamenla Jamir, Co-Lead for Mountain Agriculture thematic Working
> Group of the Himalayan Universities Consortium
>
> *Webinar 2: Sustainability of Millet*
> July 7, 2023 | 10 am PST | 1 pm EST | 8 pm EAT | Register
>
> This webinar will review the sustainability aspects of growing millet,
> including the reduced need for inputs (e.g., water, fertilizer,
> pesticides), as well as its resilience to climate change. Featured speakers
> include:
>
> - Chef Pierre Thiam, Executive Chef of Nok by Alara (Lagos, Nigeria);
> Signature Chef of the Pullman Hotel (Dakar, Senegal); Executive Chef and
> Co-Owner of Teranga (New York City, USA)
> - Dr . Rebbie Harawa, Country Representative for Kenya and Regional
> Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, ICRISAT
> - Lauren Barredo, Chief of Staff, SDSN
>
> *Webinar 3: Nutritional Benefits of Millet*
> Date TBD
>
> This webinar will review the nutritional content of millet and the role it
> can play in achieving SDG2, particularly in arid settings where food
> scarcity is a challenge and climate change is a threat.
>
> *Youth Photography Contest*
>
> Beginning June 1 and running through August 31, 2023, we invite youth to
> submit photos of millet. Submissions will be received on Twitter or
> Instagram by using the hashtags #IYM2023 and #MyMillet, and tagging
> @UNSDSN. Each submission must include a caption with (at minimum) the
> location (e.g., Bangalore, India) and the name of the millet (e.g., finger
> millet). The contest will be open to youth, ages 16 to 30, from anywhere in
> the world. Each individual can submit no more than three photos for
> consideration.
>
> There will be two prizes. One photo selected by the committee will be
> featured on the cover of SDSN’s millet cookbook. A second 'People’s Choice
> Award' will go to the photo with the most likes. Winners will be announced
> via Twitter and Instagram in September 2023. The selection committee will
> be comprised of Chubamenla Jamir (Mountain Agriculture Center, India),
> Lauren Barredo (SDSN, USA), Brighton Kaoma (SDSN Youth, Zambia), Grady
> Walker (University of Reading, UK), and Inbal Abergil (Pace University,
> USA). Photos will be judged based on storytelling, creativity, and
> composition.
>
> Warm regards,
> SDSN
>
> ------------------------------
>
>
2 years, 5 months

Re: [Collab] SDSN millet webinar series
by Joanna Kane-Potaka
Hi Don
It's good idea to collate webinars and have a way to across them. FAO is highly advanced in information management. It would be wonderful if they could set up something specific for millets.
Regards
Joanna
Sent from Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>
________________________________
From: Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 9:31:58 PM
To: Joanna Kane-Potaka <joanna.kanepotaka(a)outlook.com>
Cc: Sorghum United <sorghumunited(a)gmail.com>; collab(a)lists.millets2023.space <collab(a)lists.millets2023.space>
Subject: Re: SDSN millet webinar series
Thank you, Joanna. I was not aware of it, but appreciate your bringing it to our attention, and am glad that the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is undertaking this project.
A couple of quick related items before brief comments on the SDSN webinar series as described in your email and on the page you linked to:
* Our (NAMA and University of Missouri) next webinar will be next Wednesday, 5/17 5 pm EDT; 2 PDT), on millets processing - basically what happens between harvest and food. It will feature presentations from Bay State Milling and Simple Kneads. More details forthcoming!
* With the number of webinars being produced on millets and IYM2023, I'm wondering about a meta-directory of presenters and presentations, and beyond that, about the potential for reusing this diverse material in some way (with permissions of course) - perhaps in documenting the IYM. Just another "thinking ahead" topic...
SDSN's webinar series looks very interesting. It seems like they are varying the hours, perhaps to accommodate presenters and/or gather diverse audiences?
I'm hoping they can edit the titles of the webinars, and descriptions of their content, to use "millets" in plural, in order to be in sync with messaging on IYM, and indeed on their own page, which also discusses "millets" in introducing the series topic. After all, these are different species of crops - not just different varieties - and grains with their own nutritional and flavor profiles.
All the best,
Don
DO, EL, MI, US
NAMA
Bcc: UN SDSN (info)
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 1:04 AM Joanna Kane-Potaka <joanna.kanepotaka(a)outlook.com<mailto:joanna.kanepotaka@outlook.com>> wrote:
Dear All
Have you see this other millet webinar series from the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) - see below or here https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets
[https://lirp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/opt/pexels-photo-74120…]<https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets>
SDSN Commemorates International Year of Millets<https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets>
The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) and named the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the lead agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. The objective of IYM 2023 is to raise awareness of, and direct policy attention to, the socio-cultural, nutritional, and environmental benefits of millet cultivation. The Year will also promote their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
www.unsdsn.org<http://www.unsdsn.org>
Regards
Joanna
Webinar Series
Webinar 1: History of Millet
June 9, 2023 | 5 am EDT | 11 am CEST | 2:30 pm IST | Register
This webinar will describe the different varieties of millet and how they were domesticated over millennia, where they are grown, as well as provide a general overview of how different cultures use them in cuisine. Featured speakers include:
* Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and Coordinator of the Chef’s Manifesto
* Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Executive Chef at ITC Hotels
* Chubbamenla Jamir, Co-Lead for Mountain Agriculture thematic Working Group of the Himalayan Universities Consortium
Webinar 2: Sustainability of Millet
July 7, 2023 | 10 am PST | 1 pm EST | 8 pm EAT | Register
This webinar will review the sustainability aspects of growing millet, including the reduced need for inputs (e.g., water, fertilizer, pesticides), as well as its resilience to climate change. Featured speakers include:
* Chef Pierre Thiam, Executive Chef of Nok by Alara (Lagos, Nigeria); Signature Chef of the Pullman Hotel (Dakar, Senegal); Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Teranga (New York City, USA)
* Dr . Rebbie Harawa, Country Representative for Kenya and Regional Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, ICRISAT
* Lauren Barredo, Chief of Staff, SDSN
Webinar 3: Nutritional Benefits of Millet
Date TBD
This webinar will review the nutritional content of millet and the role it can play in achieving SDG2, particularly in arid settings where food scarcity is a challenge and climate change is a threat.
Youth Photography Contest
Beginning June 1 and running through August 31, 2023, we invite youth to submit photos of millet. Submissions will be received on Twitter or Instagram by using the hashtags #IYM2023 and #MyMillet, and tagging @UNSDSN. Each submission must include a caption with (at minimum) the location (e.g., Bangalore, India) and the name of the millet (e.g., finger millet). The contest will be open to youth, ages 16 to 30, from anywhere in the world. Each individual can submit no more than three photos for consideration.
There will be two prizes. One photo selected by the committee will be featured on the cover of SDSN’s millet cookbook. A second 'People’s Choice Award' will go to the photo with the most likes. Winners will be announced via Twitter and Instagram in September 2023. The selection committee will be comprised of Chubamenla Jamir (Mountain Agriculture Center, India), Lauren Barredo (SDSN, USA), Brighton Kaoma (SDSN Youth, Zambia), Grady Walker (University of Reading, UK), and Inbal Abergil (Pace University, USA). Photos will be judged based on storytelling, creativity, and composition.
Warm regards,
SDSN
________________________________
2 years, 5 months

Re: [Collab] SDSN millet webinar series
by Don Osborn
Here's a quick reminder about the SDSN webinar series. The first one of
three is this Friday 9 June at 5 am EDT. You can register at:
https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets
Webinar 1: History of Millets
<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jKCqIkYUTk6NXVPyCuGXWQ>
June 9, 2023 | 5 am EDT | 11 am CEST | 2:30 pm IST | Register
<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jKCqIkYUTk6NXVPyCuGXWQ>
This webinar will describe the different varieties of millet and how they
were domesticated over millennia, where they are grown, as well as provide
a general overview of how different cultures use them in cuisine. Featured
speakers include:
- Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and
Coordinator of the Chef’s Manifesto
- Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Executive Chef at ITC Hotels
- Chubbamenla Jamir, Co-Lead for Mountain Agriculture thematic Working
Group of the Himalayan Universities Consortium
Happy to note that the titles of the webinars were modified to include the
plural "millets," which we see as important to messaging about this group
of grains in the International Year of Millets and beyond.
Note also their mention of the photography contest to highlight culinary
uses of millets. I'll circle back soon to spotlight that. (In the meantime,
does anyone know of other photography contests for IYM?)
DO, EL, MI, US
NAMA
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 9:31 AM Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org> wrote:
> Thank you, Joanna. I was not aware of it, but appreciate your bringing it
> to our attention, and am glad that the UN Sustainable Development Solutions
> Network (SDSN) is undertaking this project.
>
> A couple of quick related items before brief comments on the SDSN webinar
> series as described in your email and on the page you linked to:
> * Our (NAMA and University of Missouri) next webinar will be next
> Wednesday, 5/17 5 pm EDT; 2 PDT), on millets processing - basically what
> happens between harvest and food. It will feature presentations from Bay
> State Milling and Simple Kneads. More details forthcoming!
> * With the number of webinars being produced on millets and IYM2023, I'm
> wondering about a meta-directory of presenters and presentations, and
> beyond that, about the potential for reusing this diverse material in some
> way (with permissions of course) - perhaps in documenting the IYM. Just
> another "thinking ahead" topic...
>
> SDSN's webinar series looks very interesting. It seems like they are
> varying the hours, perhaps to accommodate presenters and/or gather diverse
> audiences?
>
> I'm hoping they can edit the titles of the webinars, and descriptions of
> their content, to use "millets" in plural, in order to be in sync with
> messaging on IYM, and indeed on their own page, which also discusses
> "millets" in introducing the series topic. After all, these are different
> species of crops - not just different varieties - and grains with their own
> nutritional and flavor profiles.
>
> All the best,
>
> Don
>
> DO, EL, MI, US
> NAMA
>
> Bcc: UN SDSN (info)
>
>
> On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 1:04 AM Joanna Kane-Potaka <
> joanna.kanepotaka(a)outlook.com> wrote:
>
>> Dear All
>> Have you see this other millet webinar series from the UN Sustainable
>> Development Solutions Network (SDSN) - see below or here
>> https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets
>>
>> <https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets>
>> SDSN Commemorates International Year of Millets
>> <https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets>
>> The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets
>> (IYM 2023) and named the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the
>> lead agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration with other relevant
>> stakeholders. The objective of IYM 2023 is to raise awareness of, and
>> direct policy attention to, the socio-cultural, nutritional, and
>> environmental benefits of millet cultivation. The Year will also promote
>> their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for
>> producers and consumers.
>> www.unsdsn.org
>>
>> Regards
>> Joanna
>>
>> *Webinar Series*
>>
>> *Webinar 1: History of Millet*
>> June 9, 2023 | 5 am EDT | 11 am CEST | 2:30 pm IST | Register
>>
>> This webinar will describe the different varieties of millet and how they
>> were domesticated over millennia, where they are grown, as well as provide
>> a general overview of how different cultures use them in cuisine. Featured
>> speakers include:
>>
>> - Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and
>> Coordinator of the Chef’s Manifesto
>> - Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Executive Chef at ITC Hotels
>> - Chubbamenla Jamir, Co-Lead for Mountain Agriculture thematic
>> Working Group of the Himalayan Universities Consortium
>>
>> *Webinar 2: Sustainability of Millet*
>> July 7, 2023 | 10 am PST | 1 pm EST | 8 pm EAT | Register
>>
>> This webinar will review the sustainability aspects of growing millet,
>> including the reduced need for inputs (e.g., water, fertilizer,
>> pesticides), as well as its resilience to climate change. Featured speakers
>> include:
>>
>> - Chef Pierre Thiam, Executive Chef of Nok by Alara (Lagos, Nigeria);
>> Signature Chef of the Pullman Hotel (Dakar, Senegal); Executive Chef and
>> Co-Owner of Teranga (New York City, USA)
>> - Dr . Rebbie Harawa, Country Representative for Kenya and Regional
>> Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, ICRISAT
>> - Lauren Barredo, Chief of Staff, SDSN
>>
>> *Webinar 3: Nutritional Benefits of Millet*
>> Date TBD
>>
>> This webinar will review the nutritional content of millet and the role
>> it can play in achieving SDG2, particularly in arid settings where food
>> scarcity is a challenge and climate change is a threat.
>>
>> *Youth Photography Contest*
>>
>> Beginning June 1 and running through August 31, 2023, we invite youth to
>> submit photos of millet. Submissions will be received on Twitter or
>> Instagram by using the hashtags #IYM2023 and #MyMillet, and tagging
>> @UNSDSN. Each submission must include a caption with (at minimum) the
>> location (e.g., Bangalore, India) and the name of the millet (e.g., finger
>> millet). The contest will be open to youth, ages 16 to 30, from anywhere in
>> the world. Each individual can submit no more than three photos for
>> consideration.
>>
>> There will be two prizes. One photo selected by the committee will be
>> featured on the cover of SDSN’s millet cookbook. A second 'People’s Choice
>> Award' will go to the photo with the most likes. Winners will be announced
>> via Twitter and Instagram in September 2023. The selection committee will
>> be comprised of Chubamenla Jamir (Mountain Agriculture Center, India),
>> Lauren Barredo (SDSN, USA), Brighton Kaoma (SDSN Youth, Zambia), Grady
>> Walker (University of Reading, UK), and Inbal Abergil (Pace University,
>> USA). Photos will be judged based on storytelling, creativity, and
>> composition.
>>
>> Warm regards,
>> SDSN
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>>
2 years, 4 months

Re: [Collab] SDSN millet webinar series (Don Osborn)
by Taguchi, Makiko (NSP)
Dear Don and colleagues,
IYM will be launching a photo contest very soon, which will be broader than the UNSDSN one targeting youth. We are now in touch with SDSN to better coordinate our activities.
I hope people from this network will also contribute to the IYM photo contest. Once launched, I will send in the announcement here also.
I do hope that through IYM we are able to collect all the relevant materials on millets and make them available on the long run.
Best
Makiko
-----Original Message-----
From: Collab <collab-bounces(a)lists.millets2023.space> On Behalf Of collab-request(a)lists.millets2023.space
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 6:04 AM
To: collab(a)lists.millets2023.space
Subject: [BULK] Collab Digest, Vol 17, Issue 1
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: SDSN millet webinar series (Don Osborn)
2. Re: Supposed downsides of millets as food (Don Osborn)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2023 23:15:30 -0400
From: Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org>
To: "collab(a)lists.millets2023.space" <collab(a)lists.millets2023.space>
Subject: Re: [Collab] SDSN millet webinar series
Message-ID:
<CA+RHibW4Xv+jf9k6_eNJtOXgx4pE+U=tDytyOKv3y4dqU6ezxQ(a)mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Here's a quick reminder about the SDSN webinar series. The first one of three is this Friday 9 June at 5 am EDT. You can register at:
https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millets
Webinar 1: History of Millets
<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jKCqIkYUTk6NXVPyCuGXWQ>
June 9, 2023 | 5 am EDT | 11 am CEST | 2:30 pm IST | Register <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jKCqIkYUTk6NXVPyCuGXWQ>
This webinar will describe the different varieties of millet and how they were domesticated over millennia, where they are grown, as well as provide a general overview of how different cultures use them in cuisine. Featured speakers include:
- Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and
Coordinator of the Chef?s Manifesto
- Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Executive Chef at ITC Hotels
- Chubbamenla Jamir, Co-Lead for Mountain Agriculture thematic Working
Group of the Himalayan Universities Consortium
Happy to note that the titles of the webinars were modified to include the plural "millets," which we see as important to messaging about this group of grains in the International Year of Millets and beyond.
Note also their mention of the photography contest to highlight culinary uses of millets. I'll circle back soon to spotlight that. (In the meantime, does anyone know of other photography contests for IYM?)
DO, EL, MI, US
NAMA
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 9:31?AM Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org> wrote:
> Thank you, Joanna. I was not aware of it, but appreciate your bringing
> it to our attention, and am glad that the UN Sustainable Development
> Solutions Network (SDSN) is undertaking this project.
>
> A couple of quick related items before brief comments on the SDSN
> webinar series as described in your email and on the page you linked to:
> * Our (NAMA and University of Missouri) next webinar will be next
> Wednesday, 5/17 5 pm EDT; 2 PDT), on millets processing - basically
> what happens between harvest and food. It will feature presentations
> from Bay State Milling and Simple Kneads. More details forthcoming!
> * With the number of webinars being produced on millets and IYM2023,
> I'm wondering about a meta-directory of presenters and presentations,
> and beyond that, about the potential for reusing this diverse material
> in some way (with permissions of course) - perhaps in documenting the
> IYM. Just another "thinking ahead" topic...
>
> SDSN's webinar series looks very interesting. It seems like they are
> varying the hours, perhaps to accommodate presenters and/or gather
> diverse audiences?
>
> I'm hoping they can edit the titles of the webinars, and descriptions
> of their content, to use "millets" in plural, in order to be in sync
> with messaging on IYM, and indeed on their own page, which also
> discusses "millets" in introducing the series topic. After all, these
> are different species of crops - not just different varieties - and
> grains with their own nutritional and flavor profiles.
>
> All the best,
>
> Don
>
> DO, EL, MI, US
> NAMA
>
> Bcc: UN SDSN (info)
>
>
> On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 1:04?AM Joanna Kane-Potaka <
> joanna.kanepotaka(a)outlook.com> wrote:
>
>> Dear All
>> Have you see this other millet webinar series from the UN Sustainable
>> Development Solutions Network (SDSN) - see below or here
>> https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-millet
>> s
>>
>> <https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-mille
>> ts> SDSN Commemorates International Year of Millets
>> <https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-commemorates-international-year-of-mille
>> ts> The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of
>> Millets (IYM 2023) and named the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
>> (FAO) as the lead agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration
>> with other relevant stakeholders. The objective of IYM 2023 is to
>> raise awareness of, and direct policy attention to, the
>> socio-cultural, nutritional, and environmental benefits of millet
>> cultivation. The Year will also promote their potential to provide
>> new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
>> www.unsdsn.org
>>
>> Regards
>> Joanna
>>
>> *Webinar Series*
>>
>> *Webinar 1: History of Millet*
>> June 9, 2023 | 5 am EDT | 11 am CEST | 2:30 pm IST | Register
>>
>> This webinar will describe the different varieties of millet and how
>> they were domesticated over millennia, where they are grown, as well
>> as provide a general overview of how different cultures use them in
>> cuisine. Featured speakers include:
>>
>> - Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and
>> Coordinator of the Chef?s Manifesto
>> - Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Executive Chef at ITC Hotels
>> - Chubbamenla Jamir, Co-Lead for Mountain Agriculture thematic
>> Working Group of the Himalayan Universities Consortium
>>
>> *Webinar 2: Sustainability of Millet* July 7, 2023 | 10 am PST | 1 pm
>> EST | 8 pm EAT | Register
>>
>> This webinar will review the sustainability aspects of growing
>> millet, including the reduced need for inputs (e.g., water,
>> fertilizer, pesticides), as well as its resilience to climate change.
>> Featured speakers
>> include:
>>
>> - Chef Pierre Thiam, Executive Chef of Nok by Alara (Lagos, Nigeria);
>> Signature Chef of the Pullman Hotel (Dakar, Senegal); Executive Chef and
>> Co-Owner of Teranga (New York City, USA)
>> - Dr . Rebbie Harawa, Country Representative for Kenya and Regional
>> Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, ICRISAT
>> - Lauren Barredo, Chief of Staff, SDSN
>>
>> *Webinar 3: Nutritional Benefits of Millet* Date TBD
>>
>> This webinar will review the nutritional content of millet and the
>> role it can play in achieving SDG2, particularly in arid settings
>> where food scarcity is a challenge and climate change is a threat.
>>
>> *Youth Photography Contest*
>>
>> Beginning June 1 and running through August 31, 2023, we invite youth
>> to submit photos of millet. Submissions will be received on Twitter
>> or Instagram by using the hashtags #IYM2023 and #MyMillet, and
>> tagging @UNSDSN. Each submission must include a caption with (at
>> minimum) the location (e.g., Bangalore, India) and the name of the
>> millet (e.g., finger millet). The contest will be open to youth, ages
>> 16 to 30, from anywhere in the world. Each individual can submit no
>> more than three photos for consideration.
>>
>> There will be two prizes. One photo selected by the committee will be
>> featured on the cover of SDSN?s millet cookbook. A second 'People?s
>> Choice Award' will go to the photo with the most likes. Winners will
>> be announced via Twitter and Instagram in September 2023. The
>> selection committee will be comprised of Chubamenla Jamir (Mountain
>> Agriculture Center, India), Lauren Barredo (SDSN, USA), Brighton
>> Kaoma (SDSN Youth, Zambia), Grady Walker (University of Reading, UK),
>> and Inbal Abergil (Pace University, USA). Photos will be judged based
>> on storytelling, creativity, and composition.
>>
>> Warm regards,
>> SDSN
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>>
2 years, 4 months

Re: [Collab] 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 Don Osborn
Thanks, Zdravka, for letting us know about this important webinar
on "Fonio: enhancing collaboration for sustainable agriculture and improved
livelihoods" (next Wednesday, Nov. 29, 13:00 CET / 7 am EST).
Unfortunately, a schedule conflict will keep me from participating, but I
hope it's okay to propose a few questions. Some of these may already
anticipated by the presenters in what they will discuss, but whichever ones
they don't cover may be of interest to hear more on:
1) "Fonio," as it is known in English and French, has many names in the
first languages of West Africa. "Fonio" itself apparently came into French
from Wolof, but there are similar terms in some Manding languages in the
region. "Fonio" seems to have came into English from French, but another
word, "acha" from Hausa, is also used in English.
2) Among the grains discussed in this International Year of Millets, is
fonio the one most like quinoa in its rise to export popularity, and the
potential "double-edged" effect on smallholder farmers who grow it? I'm
referring to analysis done of the effects of the growth of the quinoa
market on smallholder farmers in the Andean region of South America./1 Most
other millets fall into one of three categories and don't seem to face this
risk: (a) they are already major crops in more than one region, so there
would be capacity to respond to market growth (pearl millet, foxtail
millet, proso millet, and finger millet, plus sorghum); or (b) they are
cultivated on smaller scales and exported, like fonio, but are not getting
the individual attention that fonio or quinoa now have, so their presence
in the international markets may not increase as much (barnyard, kodo,
browntop, and little millets. plus adlay, to name but a few); or (c) they
are very local crops hardly known outside their home regions and not
processed for export. Teff, another tiny millet from Africa, might be a
special case under "b" in that it has become a significant alternative crop
in another part of the world (the US), unlike fonio. So to return to the
question, are there lessons from the case of quinoa particularly for fonio?
3) The next two questions have to do with other varieties of fonio. First,
most, if not all, of the fonio grown for export, and sold internationally
is from the species Digitaria exilis. There is of course another Digitaria
grown less widely and mainly in eastern West Africa, D. iburua, sometimes
called "black fonio." How does this closely related species compare as a
crop and a food? Does it figure in current marketing of fonio, or if not,
how might it be handled? Would it be a separate product?
4) Then there's Guinea millet (Brachiaria deflexa, or Urochloa deflexa),
which is not usually discussed as fonio, at least in English.This grain is
apparently grown as a crop only in the northern part of the Fouta
Djalon plateau in Guinea - a region where fonio proper (D. exilis) is the
main field crop. Guinea millet has the French appellation "fonio à grosses
graines"/2/3 (large grained fonio). However, botanically, it would be more
closely related to browntop millet (B.ramosa or U. ramosa), with different
agronomic and flavor characteristics than fonio proper. Are there any
scenarios where Guinea millet might be marketed as another type of fonio?
5. Finally, there is a particular method to facilitate dehulling of fonio
in the southern part of Togo (specifically the Akposso area of the Région
des Plateaux) that I haven't noted elsewhere. It involves heating the
grains on a metal pan until the hulls start to pop, and agitating it much
as one might popcorn. The result as I understand is then pounded in a
mortar and then winnowed. This of course also toasts the grains, giving the
fonio so treated an interesting flavor. Has any thought been given to
disseminating this technique?
By way of partial introduction (and disclaimer), I will just note that I
worked in rural development for some years in West Africa, including two
years each in the regions of Togo and Guinea mentioned above. It is from
those experiences, plus occasionally eating dishes with fonio in more urban
settings in that region, and more recently as imported into the US.
(including but not limited to the "Yolélé" brand). I do not claim any
expertise in the cultivation or preparation of fonio, nor have I studied it
formally or in the field.
I am taking the liberty of bcc'ing the moderator of the upcoming webinar,
Dr. Tiziana Ulian, for her information.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Don
Don Osborn, PhD
(East Lansing, MI, US)
North American Millets Alliance
Notes:
1. See for example a nice summary of this this issue by Long Yu,
entitled "Superfoods’ Dark Side: Increasing Vulnerability of Quinoa Farmers
in Bolivia" (Colby College Community Web, 19 Jan. 2019)
https://web.colby.edu/st297-global18/2019/01/22/superfoods-dark-side-increa…
2. Jean-François Cruz & Famoï Béavogui, Le fonio, une céréale africaine
(Éditions Quæ, CTA, Presses agronomiques de Gembloux, 2011), pages 21 & 28
https://agritrop.cirad.fr/560957/1/ID560957.pdf (this work also notes a few
other wild species also called fonio)
3. Cruz and Béavogui (op. cit.) mention a name in Pular (the main language
of Fouta Djalon), which they transcribe as "founi kouli." Fonio is "foññe"
in that language, but I am verifying the sense of the second term that they
render as "kouli."
On Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 3:41 AM Dimitrova, Zdravka (NSP) <
Zdravka.Dimitrova(a)fao.org> wrote:
>
> <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* <International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Collab mailing list
> Collab(a)lists.millets2023.space
> https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab
>
1 year, 10 months