Quinoa
Quinoa gained a global reputation as a superfood. For people living in the Andes mountains, it’s been a staple crop for generations. This is a great opportunity for the farmers who grow this super grain – if they can sell on Fairtrade terms.
The quinoa industry
The quinoa sector stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity. The global demand for quinoa has catalysed changes in traditional farming methods, impacting local cultures and raising questions about food security. Striking a delicate balance between economic opportunities and the preservation of cultural heritage is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the quinoa industry.
Quinoa is an incredibly versatile crop - it can be grown in conditions ranging from very dry to humid, from sea level to 4,000 meters, and in acidic, nutrient-poor soils. However, crops are particularly exposed to climate and environmental risks because they are grown on traditional high-elevation plots.
Current challenges
Quinoa, a staple in many households globally, faces substantial challenges within its expanding industry.
- Labour practices: Workers may encounter low wages that fail to meet basic living standards. Prolonged working hours, often without adequate compensation for overtime, and the prevalence of short-term contracts contribute to the vulnerability of the workforce.
- Market dynamics: The international quinoa trade experiences imbalances akin to those seen in other agricultural sectors. A limited number of companies exert considerable influence and market dynamics often lead to price pressures. Competitive pricing strategies and discounts offered by retailers can sometimes result in consumer prices falling below the cost of production, impacting the income of quinoa farmers.
- Environmental impact: The cultivation of quinoa, while praised for its resilience, is not without environmental consequences. The use of agrochemicals, if not managed carefully, can lead to soil degradation and water contamination. Sustainable farming practices must be emphasized to mitigate these ecological impacts and preserve the long-term viability of quinoa cultivation.
“I have been trained as a leader in the face of climate change, it has been a very important issue for us. We have also learned about the importance of leadership in our networks, in our organisations and as young people we have committed to undertaking new challenges, taking care of the environment.”
Irene Huarachi Arcayne, National Association of Quinoa Producers (ANAPQUI) and youth representative, Quinoa Network Bolivia
How Fairtrade makes a difference
There are a number of ways Fairtrade farmers can confront the challenges they face to grow their businesses.
- Decent livelihoods: Fairtrade quinoa farmers get a more stable and fairer income for their crops thanks to both the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Fairtrade Premium. In fact, the two combined meant some Fairtrade quinoa farmers doubled their income between 2020 and 2022. Organically grown quinoa receives an even higher Fairtrade Minimum Price.
- Protection of natural resources: Fairtrade provides training and support on sustainable farming, including eliminating deforestation, better use of water resources, drought-resistant crop varieties and diversifying into climate-resilient income streams. This also includes access to the Climate Change Leadership Schools across Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Stronger together: Fairtrade’s approach also fosters stronger farmer organisations, which are better suited to implement collective improvements such as communal water management and crop processing facilities.