Just over 500 registrants gathered in Zhengzhou, China for the 3rd Asia-Pacific Grains Conference. The Whole Grain Initiative was well represented with both Jan Willem van der Kamp and Sara Grafenauer presenting in the opening session. Jan Willem presented online and gave an excellent overview, emphasising the new definition as there is interest in China regarding regulation and Sara presented the nutrition economics work from Australia, the US and Finland, showing significant healthcare cost savings. As there are difficulties in changing dietary patterns in Asia, where the grain choice is often refined, there were questions as to how to move towards more whole grains. It is important that families with young children start by introducing whole grains where permitted and while this may not be in main meals (with brown rice), snacking may be an opportunity that could be effectively utilised in Asian diets. 

In addition to the presentation in the opening, there was also a Whole Grain session with Rikard Landberg presenting on a range of whole grains, particularly oats and rye and studies related to gut health, heart health markers, liquid and flake oat comparisons and the results of the MEDGICarb-study with the most recent results showing that women, compared to men, are more sensitive to the metabolic effects of the dietary Glycaemic Index. Dr. Fang Yong from the Nanjing University of Finance and Economics and Dr. Liu Liya from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences both presented on whole grain topics as well.

In total, there were 179 presentations and 26 posters with prizes awarded across a range of metrics. In order to continue the momentum around whole grains seen at the conference, the Whole Grain Initiative will form a special group to focus more on diets in Asian countries, bringing together a group of experts.

The Whole Grain Initiative’s Governing Board has elected Caroline Sluyter, of the American-based Oldways Whole Grains Council, as its next chair. Caroline has a strong background in whole grain advocacy, whole grain labelling, nutrition, and program management, all of which will serve her well in this role. She has chaired the Communications & Partnerships working group since 2018 and been an active member of the Governing Board since its formation. Caroline is eager to lead the WGI team in this next chapter!

This change in leadership comes with the departure of former chair, Kevin Miller, as he moves into a new role at the Gates Foundation. The Governing Board is incredibly grateful for Kevin’s steadfast and passionate leadership over the past several years, and all the work he did fostering strong partnerships and fruitful collaboration. Many thanks for all your contributions, Kevin!

The International Whole Grain Day 2023

Empowering the Next Generations with Whole Grain

15 November 2023 — 16:00 - 17:30 (CET)

A diet low in whole grains is the second greatest dietary risk factor for death according to the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study, and yet whole grain consumption continues to fall well below recommended levels in most parts of the world. Whole grains are key to healthy diets at every stage of life, and research shows that introducing whole grains at a young age helps establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Whole grains are also an excellent sustainable food choice – they have minimal environmental impact, are nutritionally dense and weather resilient, and can be stored for long periods, making them a natural staple of most diets around the globe. 

On 15 November 16:00-17:30 CET, the WGI and a host of global leaders will convene at the EU Parliament to explore the vital role of educating children and young people about the benefits associated with whole grain consumption and ways to inspire them to integrate these nutritious choices into their daily diets.

The discussion has been live-streamed, and we encourage you to tune in below! Please the slide deck HERE and watch the recording HERE.

The Whole Grain Initiative is announcing the formation of a working group with the goal to identify a recommendation for whole grain intake.

Dr. Eleanor Beck, Head of School of Health Sciences University of New South Wales in Australia, has agreed to kick off the discussions.

Although the group will decide the best approach – they will determine the basis for a recommendation, identify the science to support, and then make the recommendation.

There may even be potential for some novel research in one or more regions to generate data or model impact of decisions.

If you would like to join, or know someone who should, be invited to the kick-off – then please contact office@wholegraininitiative.org for inclusion in the participant list.

The WGI is looking forward to make progress on this important issue and the advocacy that follows to encourage adoption!

On Nov. 15th, 3:30-5:00 PM CET the WGI and a host of global leaders will discuss how the daily consumption of whole grains is a vital part of not only healthy, but also sustainable diets. Soon the programme will be published and registration will be opened. We invite you to participate in this webinar and spread the word throughout your organization and network.

The Whole Grain Initiative has published a global consensus definition of whole grain as an ingredient and whole grain food in the journal Nutrients (December 29, 2021), https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/1/138. 

The Whole Grain Initiative, joined by the co-signatories of this open letter, would like to bring to the attention of the European Commission some key considerations as part of its commitment to introduce Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) in its landmark Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to promote a shift to healthy, nutritious and sustainable diets.

We are delighted to invite you to join our virtual policy roundtable, 'Whole Grains: A Game Changer for Public and Planetary Health – Can the Slovenian experience inspire Europe to address its leading dietary risk factor? ' on 9 November 2021 from 14:00 to 15:55 (CET).

On Nov. 16th, 3:30-5:00 PM CET the WGI and a host of global leaders will discuss how the daily consumption of whole grains is a vital part of not only healthy, but also sustainable diets. Watch out the programme and register here. We invite you to participate in this webinar and spread the word throughout your organization and network.

Take this opportunity and register to the 7^th Whole Grain Summit "From Science to Global application", which will be held as an online event on 25-27 October.  The WGS2021 intends to seek ideas and ways to translate the available scientific and technological knowledge into global application, resulting into an increase in availability of affordable and acceptable whole grain products in a diversity of markets. Dicsover the programme!

Join the Summit and meet colleagues from all around the globe!

Find all further details about the event any time at the WGS website!

This marks the 11th annual US Whole Grains Month celebration put on in September by the Oldways Whole Grains Council, and the 2nd iteration of the Grainies Award challenge, brought back by popular demand after great success last year. This fall the WGC is rolling out the red carpet and rewarding consumers for their participation in a wide range of whole grain challenges.

Scientists from the Danish Cancer Society and the Technical University of Denmark have written a new scientific report as a deliverable under the WholEUGrain project. The purpose of the report is to ensure the knowledge base as one of the prerequisites for establishing a national whole grain partnership in the partnering countries (Slovenia, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina) as well as in other European countries.