Zegos project aims to increase the processing and consumption of organic glutenfree highprotein oats and rotational crop millet in montana and the surrounding growing region by establishing a…

Zegos project aims to increase the processing and consumption of organic glutenfree highprotein oats and rotational crop millet in montana and the surrounding growing region by establishing a collaborative integrated value chain cvic. This initiative will address a regional grain processing bottleneck currently forcing farmers to sell premium crops for bird and animal feed at reduced values and simultaneously develop new organic specialty grain products for consumers with medically restricted diets due to allergies intolerances or specific health concerns such as diabetes. The project will encompass the purchase and installation of equipment to dehull millet alongside upgrades to processing efficiency through faster bag filling and improved operational workflows at montana gluten free MGF. Anticipated outcomes include an increase in organic finished goods capacity a higher level of food safety certification and the creation of a robust millet value chain. Stakeholders including farmers processors and consumers will benefit from enhanced market access for organic grains and increased availability of specialty dietary products. Furthermore the project will support the development of new organic specialty grain products in collaboration with snacktivist targeting food service accounts and big box stores and facilitating B2B ingredient sales. The initiative will leverage technology through food vision to improve zegos purity transparency system expanding product information to include links to farmers. This project anticipates a reduction in transportation miles and the promotion of hulless oats which generate 50 less carbon emissions and droughttolerant millet which utilizes less water than other grains benefiting both the environment and zegos operational efficiency.