We want to thank new member Nate Blum for telling the story of his inspiring work building Sorghum United, empowering farmers and communities around the world. “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.”
https://sorghumunited.org/our-team/
Nate has also written a comic book series titled, The Sorghum Squad!
“The Sorgho Squad is a fun and educational way to share the story of sorghum and millets, and how they can be a part of the solution to some of the gravest challenges facing our planet and people.”
Check out the fun website for more information! https://sorghosquad.com/
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), and as a member of the UNFAO committee on Bioeconomy for Food and Agriculture.
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 2019) 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.