North American Millets Alliance

Promoting millets as climate-resilient crops and nutritious grainsin the US, Canada, Mexico, and neighbors

Millets in the future of food & agriculture in North AmericaMillets are ancient grains that hold great promise for the future. Domesticated ages ago in diverse parts of Asia and Africa, some of this group of small-grained crops have found uses in North America, but their potential in this time of climate change and concern for healthier eating, is largely unrealized. Our goal is to change that.Drought & heat toleranceMost millets thrive in heat and produce with less water. Proso, pearl & foxtail millets especially.High in nutrients & fiberNutrient & fiber profiles of millets vary, but are generally high, and sometimes remarkably so.Diverse flavors & culinary qualitiesMillets, like all grains have subtle flavors & characteristics that cooks & chefs can use.Standing-water & shade toleranceA few millets can also withstand waterlogging or or produce under partial shade.Low glycemic index & gluten-freeMillets are very friendly to those on special diets, having low GI levels and no gluten.Various non-food usesSeveral millets are grown for animal forage, as cover crops, for birdseed, and even biofuel.

Advocacy, education, and projectsThe North American Millets Alliance (NAMA) advocates for growers, processors, marketers, and consumers of millets, engages in public education about millets, and proposes and develops projects involving millets.Ongoing activities Dissemination of news about millets.

Proposal for proso millet grain standards.

“Millet of the month” calendar

Building community. Past activities Millets Webinar series during the International Year of Millets, 2023

Support for the International Millets Conference 2023, Gering, NE