Rodrigo is invited to International Year of Millets 2023, by FAO
In a bid to address the growing challenges of feeding an ever-expanding global population, the spotlight shines on resilient cereals like millets as a promising solution. The International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM) was inaugurated with a resounding message at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Millets, encompassing a diverse array of cereals including pearl, proso, foxtail, barnyard, little, kodo, browntop, finger, Guinea millets, as well as fonio, sorghum, and teff, have emerged as a cost-effective and nutritious option.
Rodrigo was invited to the global event in Rome, in October 2023, to proudly represent Latin America and the Caribbean.
View the story at FAO’s website>
Deeply embedded in the culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples, millets stand as a vital source of nourishment across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. They play an integral role in ensuring food security within culturally relevant regions. "Millets are incredible ancestral crops with high nutritional value," emphasized FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. With their potential to empower smallholder farmers, combat climate change, promote biodiversity, and revolutionize agrifood systems, millets have taken center stage as a key player in sustainable development.
The benefits of millet cultivation extend beyond sustenance; they offer an opportunity to bolster the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, creating meaningful employment prospects for women and youth. By embracing millet production, economies can experience growth while mitigating the risks associated with production shocks. The International Year of Millets 2023 paves the way for progress, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As Director-General Qu affirmed, "This International Year is a timely reminder of this important crop… creating sustainable and innovative market opportunities for many countries around the world for millets to benefit farmers and consumers globally." With a renewed focus on millets, a healthier and more resilient future for global agrifood systems beckons.