As the planet faces increasing climate-related challenges, there’s growing recognition that some of the most powerful solutions may come from the natural world. Agriculture, often seen as a contributor to climate change, is also a potential ally in reversing it. According to Nate Blum, CEO of the Sorghum United Foundation, one crop stands out in particular: sorghum.
Blum leads an international team of agricultural experts committed to advancing the global role of sorghum and millets. Their work promotes not only the nutritional and economic value of these grains but also their untapped potential as tools for climate-smart agriculture. Sorghum, in particular, offers a path toward sustainable farming and meaningful carbon reduction.
A Nature-Based Solution Rooted in the Soil
Sorghum’s environmental advantages begin with its roots. The plant develops a deep and complex root system, allowing it to thrive in arid conditions with minimal irrigation. But beyond water efficiency, those roots play a critical role in carbon sequestration by pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it underground in the form of organic matter.
This process contributes to regenerative agriculture, where crops restore rather than deplete natural resources. Additionally, sorghum improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and promotes biodiversity below the surface, all while helping reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Fewer Inputs, Lower Emissions
Compared to conventional grains, sorghum requires fewer chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, and uses significantly less water. This low-input model results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions from both the production and application of those inputs.
Shifting toward crops like sorghum, allows farmers to lower their environmental impact without sacrificing productivity. This is crucial in water-stressed and economically challenged regions and makes sorghum a practical and sustainable choice.
Linking Sorghum to the Carbon Economy
There is tremendous potential in carbon credit markets as a way to incentivize sustainable agricultural practices. Sorghum’s natural ability to sequester carbon and support soil health makes it an ideal candidate for carbon farming initiatives.
Integrating sorghum into these programs could generate carbon credits, which are tradable units representing reduced or captured emissions. These credits can create a valuable revenue stream, rewarding farmers not just for what they grow, but for how they grow it.
Beyond Food: Sorghum in Sustainable Products
The benefits of sorghum are exponential, and its versatility is now being explored in the production of bio-based products, including biodegradable plastics, biofuels, packaging materials, and even textiles.
As demand rises for alternatives to fossil fuel–based products, sorghum is emerging as a promising raw material for creating low-emission, circular-economy solutions. This innovation opens up new markets and industries, linking agriculture to sectors like fashion and renewable energy, all while supporting global emissions goals.
A Grain for the Future
Sorghum may be one of agriculture’s oldest crops, but its relevance has never been greater. Its unique combination of resilience, environmental benefit, and economic opportunity positions it as a key player in building a climate-resilient food system.
Blum and the Sorghum United Foundation are working to ensure that sorghum receives the recognition and investment it deserves. Their message is clear: in the fight against climate change, nature already provides many of the tools we need. By supporting crops like sorghum, the world can unlock scalable, science-backed solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and the planet.
Nate Blum, CEO of the Sorghum United Foundation
Nate Blum serves as the Chief Executive Officer of BlüMilo and the Sorghum United Foundation. As a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, Mr. Blum leads the Foundation in advancing education, markets, and economic opportunities for sorghum and millets, empowering local communities to thrive in high-value markets. His dedication stems from a deep commitment to food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and reducing rural economic disparities and issues that sorghum and millet offer viable solutions for.
Mr. Blum is an expert in agricultural production and marketing, with a specialized focus on value-added processing of sorghum-based products. His career spans over 40 countries and includes representing the sorghum and millet industries at the United Nations FAO and engaging with international stakeholders on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A highlight of his work includes hosting the Independent Food Systems Summit in August 2021, where he facilitated critical dialogues on sustainable food systems.
Previously, Mr. Blum served as Executive Director of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board and the Nebraska Sorghum Producers Association (2019-2023), driving impactful initiatives and policy changes that have shaped the region's grain sorghum industry. Additionally, he serves on the USDA Grains, Feed, and Oilseeds Ag Trade Advisory Committee (ATAC), advising the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Private Sector Mechanism (PSM), providing counsel to the United Nations Committee on Food Security (CFS).
As a recognized thought leader, Mr. Blum has been featured in global media outlets such as the BBC, The Startup LA Podcast, MSN, The Hindustan Times, and Kilimo News. He regularly speaks at international sustainability and food technology conferences and mentors university students on leadership in the food and agriculture sectors.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska (Class of 2009) with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Mr. Blum's background informs his compassionate, strategic leadership style. He also completed the prestigious Nebraska LEAD Program (Class XXXVI) and served as Vice President of the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association. Outside of his professional commitments, he is an avid volunteer, community organizer, and the author of the ‘Sorgho Squad’ adventure series and video game, blending creativity with his passion for agriculture.
Sorghum United Foundation Mission Statement
Sorghum United Foundation empowers communities through sustainable agriculture, education, and economic opportunities. By championing climate-smart crops like sorghum and millet, we advance food security, nutrition, environmental resilience, and improved livelihoods. Through innovation, advocacy, and value addition, we drive generational change—creating jobs, mitigating carbon emissions, and fostering safer, thriving communities. Together, we are cultivating a future where farmers prosper, ecosystems flourish, and local economies grow.
Sorghum United Foundation Vision Statement
At Sorghum United Foundation, we envision a future where thriving communities build resilient food systems, ensuring food and economic prosperity for generations. A world where sorghum and millet are at the heart of sustainable agriculture, driving the transformation toward climate resilience and global food security.