Link: Quinoa's Global Success Creates Quandry At Home

[sheafrotherdon]

From yesterday's NYTimes:

demand for quinoa (pronounced KEE-no-ah) is soaring in rich countries, as American and European consumers discover the “lost crop” of the Incas. The surge has helped raise farmers’ incomes here in one of the hemisphere’s poorest countries. But there has been a notable trade-off: Fewer Bolivians can now afford it,

Comments

[eqfe]

In Peru, many people have taken to eating oatmeal imported from the US which is cheaper than locally grown quinoa, but at least it is minimally processed.

I suppose I'm part of the problem, I use quinoa in veggie soup to thicken it.

[sheafrotherdon]

Although it's a double-edged sword, because as the article says, income levels have risen because of the market for quinoa. I'm trying to see if I can find any more information on ethical provisions. It's a hard one.

[breakableheart]

Aw, crap. :(

[sheafrotherdon]

I'm trying to find more information about good buyers - there has to be (I'd hope) some way to continue to support raised incomes for the farmers without causing other hardships.

[amyura]

Guess it's time to go back to oat berries and couscous.

[sheafrotherdon]

I'm torn - as the article said, incomes have risen for farmers growing the crop. I'm trying to find more information on ethically sourced quinoa, if there is such a thing.

[silenceincities]

): I admit I've picked up on the quinoa trend. I'll try and keep my consumption at a minimum.

[sheafrotherdon]

except the consumption outside Bolivia is increasing incomes *within* Bolivia. It's a hard one. I'm trying to find information on ethically sourced quinoa.

[nateraine]

Are there companies selling Quinoa that are taking steps to prevent the price disparity? Surely there's at least one responsible provider? :(

[sheafrotherdon]

There must be - I'm doing some looking around and seeing what I can turn up.