Seeds of Change: Gary Wietgrefe on Proso Millet and Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture
S2, E50
Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore
Guest: Gary Wietgrefe
This episode of "Regenerative by Design" features an enlightening conversation with Gary Wietgrefe, co-founder of the North American Millets Alliance. Gary and host Joni delve deep into using Proso Millet in foods, discussing its implications for regenerative agriculture and the importance of crop diversity.
Show Notes:
Topics Covered:
- Overview of a recent panel discussion on Proso Millet and its use in foods.
- Gary’s extensive background in agriculture and his specialization in millet cultivation.
- The importance of crop rotation in spreading labor, preserving soil health, and preventing erosion.
- Economic and environmental benefits of diverse cropping systems.
- Challenges in market adoption for diverse crops due to a lack of institutional support.
- The necessity for creating industry standards to make lesser-known crops like millet more marketable and reliable.
Key Takeaways:
- Diverse crops contribute significantly to regenerative agriculture by improving soil health and reducing the need for synthetic inputs.
- Market adoption challenges for crops like millet stem from a lack of institutional support, not from their agricultural viability.
- Establishing industry standards is crucial for the recognition and reliability of lesser-known crops, facilitating their entry into mainstream markets.
Call to Action:
- Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Proso Millet and other diverse crops. Check out the resources linked in the episode notes for more information on how you can support and promote agricultural diversity.
- Share this episode on social media to help spread the word about the benefits of crop diversity and regenerative agriculture practices.
Closing Thought:
Embracing diversity in agriculture supports the environment and enhances food security. As we learn more and adapt, we pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
Additional Resources:
Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist, a food innovation company transforming nutrition with climate-smart crops, regenerative, and data-connected supply chains. We specialize in novel product development, sustainable ingredient sourcing—from "genetics to plate"—and strategic value chain design to build a healthier, more resilient food system.
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