Discover the many benefits of this nutritious, gluten-free & drought-resistant ancient grain.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2022

Contact: Michelle Burchett, Content Manager/Writer & Editor, 804-524-6966, mburchett@vsu.edu

ETTRICK, Va.—The smallest grain in the world could have the biggest impact, especially in dry areas or states experiencing drought. Whether you’re a vegan looking for a great source of protein and iron, a farmer seeking to diversify, an investor considering your options, or a lover of knowledge, you’ll want to discover more about teff. 

This annual, warm-season grain has been a staple of Ethiopia since ancient times. U.S. demand is increasing in large measure due to its nutritional value as both food for humans and forage for livestock.

Come learn about this small but mighty seed at Virginia State University’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Mathematics and Health, or STEAM-H, Seminar, Exploring the Potential Use of Teff as an Alternative Grain Crop in Virginia, on Friday, Oct. 7, noon-12:50 p.m. at the L. Douglas Wilder Building, Room 300, 1 Hayden Dr., Virginia State University, VA 23806. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. 

To attend remotely, you must register in advance at https://bit.ly/STEAM-H.

Dr. A. Ozzie Abaye, professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, will discuss experiments that were conducted in two Virginia regions: Blacksburg, a plateau between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, and Steeles Tavern in the Shenandoah Valley. Both brown and white teff varieties were produced and tested to evaluate the quality of the product. The field and laboratory tests demonstrate teff’s potential as an alternative grain crop in Virginia.

“While additional research is needed to address the establishment, harvesting, threshing and processing of the grain, it is a promising crop for Virginia,” said Dr. Wondi Mersie, associate dean and director of research at Virginia State University College of Agriculture

For more information, contact Dr. Wondi Mersie at 804-524-5631 or WMersie@vsu.edu.