Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Terra Ingredients and is shared here in partnership. You can read the original version on Terra’s website.
What started more than a century ago as a small family farm on the quiet plains of Denhoff, North Dakota, Premium Gold—known for its distinctive golden flaxseed—is now entering a new chapter in 2025.
Led by CEO Mike Marshall, the company is expanding beyond flax through a partnership with Minneapolis-based Terra Ingredients to introduce a new golden grain to its lineup.
Their shared goal is to bring fonio, an ancient, naturally gluten-free West African grain, to a broader American audience of health-conscious consumers.
Rather than a story of sudden disruption or rapid change, this partnership reflects a thoughtful collaboration between two farmer-focused companies rooted in regenerative agriculture.
With a shared commitment to transparency, high-quality food, and ethical sourcing, Premium Gold and Terra Ingredients are working together to bring a new grain to market, one small step at a time.
From Dakota Fields to Your Pantry
Premium Gold’s story begins in the heart of North Dakota farm country. Founded in 1906, the company built its reputation on growing and milling golden flaxseed. Over time, it developed deep expertise in producing flax that is consistent, smooth-tasting, and easy to use.
In the 1990s, under the leadership of Randy Miller, the company established Premium Gold Flax Products Processing, Inc. and became known for its focus on product quality and simple ingredients. Its approach to milling flax helped build a loyal following among customers looking for trustworthy, nutritious foods.
That approach continues today with Premium Gold’s True Cold Milled® process. This proprietary, no-heat process helps protect nutrients and maintain freshness, delivering flax that stays fresh for up to 24 months from the date of manufacturing without refrigeration.
When the Miller family chose to transition the business to focus on farming, Mike Marshall stepped in. With a background in agriculture and a focus on regenerative and gluten-free foods, he saw a strong alignment.
“What impressed me was the chance to deliver a story about stewardship, sustainability, and regenerative farming directly to the consumer,” Marshall explains.
By focusing on crop rotation, minimal processing, and clean supply chains, he continues the company’s long-standing approach to responsible food production.
Connecting with Terra Ingredients
Marshall’s relationship with Terra Ingredients’ Director, Peter Carlson, is built on years of respect within the grain industry. “Even when we were competitors, I always respected Peter for being a straight shooter,” Marshall says.
After several meetings at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, it became clear the two companies shared more than industry experience, they also shared values.
“Terra understands what it takes to build a true farm program, and our teams align well. This is more than a buy-sell relationship, it’s a real partnership,” says Marshall.
Fonio: An Opportunity for Collaboration
Fonio has been grown and consumed in West Africa for generations. It is valued for its nutrition, versatility, and naturally gluten-free profile, though it is still relatively unknown in the U.S.
When Marshall learned about Terra’s work supporting fonio growers in Senegal and Guinea, the opportunity was clear. “The story, the nutrition profile, the functionality—it checked a lot of boxes for us,” he says. “I don’t think fonio will take off overnight, but it has strong long-term potential with the right education.”
Adding fonio to Premium Gold’s lineup is a natural extension of its focus on minimally processed, high-quality foods like golden flaxseed.
“Partnering with Terra Ingredients allows us to maintain our standards while expanding into new crops,” Marshall explains. “We’re building a supply chain based on integrity and transparency, from planting to packaging.” He adds, “Everything we do is gold and gluten-free, and fonio fits right in.”
Education, Trust, and Lasting Impact
Trust and transparency have always guided Premium Gold’s approach, and those same values now shape its partnership with Terra Ingredients.
“If you don’t do things the right way, it affects more than the end product—it affects the land and the communities behind it,” Marshall says. His perspective was shaped early in his career, working with buyers who required detailed reporting on every part of the supply chain. That level of accountability became the foundation for Premium Gold’s gluten-free Purity Protocol.
For Marshall, the work is personal. Having seen a family member manage celiac disease, he understands the importance of reliable, safe food. Fonio offers another option for people with dietary restrictions, while also supporting farming communities across West Africa.
As fonio launches later this year, education will play a key role. “Once people understand how to use it, fonio delivers on value, nutrition, and versatility,” Marshall says.
Why This Partnership Matters
This partnership is built on shared priorities: soil health, ethical sourcing, and access to better food. Terra’s work with farmers in West Africa supports fair compensation and responsible growing practices, while introducing a new ingredient to U.S. consumers.
For Premium Gold, it is also an opportunity to grow in a way that stays aligned with its values. By working with Terra, the company can expand its product offering while maintaining its focus on minimal processing, clean ingredients, and regenerative farming practices.
Together, the two companies combine strengths. Premium Gold brings experience in farm-to-table food production, while Terra brings deep knowledge of global sourcing and West African agriculture. The result is a more transparent and responsible supply chain.
Looking Ahead
Premium Gold plans to launch fonio online in 2026, with retail expansion to follow.
This partnership marks a new step for both companies, as it builds on what they already do well while opening the door to new opportunities in simple, minimally processed foods.
“If everybody wins, everybody wins,” Marshall says. “If we can build trust, introduce something new, and create a positive impact along the way, we’re doing our jobs.”
Stay tuned as Premium Gold's fonio makes its debut later this year.
