Unlocking the Power of Millets in Regenerative Agriculture with Joanna Kane-Pataka

S2, E43

Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore

Guest: Joanna Kane-Pataka

In this episode, host Joni Kindwall-Moore dives deep into the world of regenerative agriculture with guest Joanna Kane-Pataka, an expert in sustainable food systems. Together, they explore the incredible potential of millets, an ancient grain gaining attention as a climate-smart and nutritious staple crop. Joanna shares her journey from market research to working in non-profits and her discovery of millets while in India, which led to her advocacy for the crop through the Smart Food initiative.

Joanna and Joni discuss how millets fit into the larger regenerative agriculture framework, focusing on the “triple bottom line” that benefits farmers, the environment, and consumers. The episode touches on the challenges of promoting underutilized crops like millets, the importance of developing appealing food products, and the need for collaborative efforts in both marketing and research.

Joanna shares insights on millet's nutritional advantages, particularly for managing diabetes, and the exciting global developments pushing millet into mainstream food systems. The conversation also highlights India's leadership in millet innovation and how new technologies, like AI, can accelerate agricultural research and adoption.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Joanna’s background in non-profits and her passion for regenerative agriculture.
• The importance of millets as a climate-smart, underutilized crop with huge potential.
• The triple bottom line: how millets benefit farmers, the environment, and consumers.
• The Smart Food initiative and how it’s raising awareness for millets and other sustainable crops.
• The challenges of scaling millet production and promoting it in global food systems.
• Marketing, product development, and research are essential in making millets more accessible.
• Insights on the nutritional benefits of millets, especially for managing diabetes.
• There is a global push for millet innovation, with India leading the way.
• The future of millet research, including its role in addressing food security and nutrition.

Guest Information:

• Joanna Kane-Pataka is a global advocate for sustainable food systems and the driving force behind initiatives promoting underutilized crops like millets. Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn to learn more about her work in nutrition, agriculture, and market development.
• LinkedIn: Joanna Kane-Pataka

Resources Mentioned:

• Smart Food Initiative
• India’s International Year of Millets campaign
• Research on millets and diabetes
• USDA organic market development grants
• Use of AI in agricultural innovation

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Regenerative by Design. Join us next time as we continue to explore innovative solutions to some of today's most pressing environmental and health challenges.

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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