North American Millets Alliance
Promoting millets as climate-resilient crops and nutritious grains
in the US, Canada, Mexico, and neighbors
Millets in the future of food & agriculture in North America
Millets 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 tolerance
Most millets thrive in heat and produce with less water. Proso, pearl & foxtail millets especially.
High in nutrients & fiber
Nutrient & fiber profiles of millets vary, but are generally high, and sometimes remarkably so.
Diverse flavors & culinary qualities
Millets, like all grains have subtle flavors & characteristics that cooks & chefs can use.
Standing-water & shade tolerance
A few millets can also withstand waterlogging or or produce under partial shade.
Low glycemic index & gluten-free
Millets are very friendly to those on special diets, having low GI levels and no gluten.
Various non-food uses
Several millets are grown for animal forage, as cover crops, for birdseed, and even biofuel.
Advocacy, education, and projects
The 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