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species traits acquired through the many years of selective breeding that has occurred in the area (Young

2009).

THE FUTURE OF ANDEAN QUINOA

The multitude of Andean climatic ecozones, and a tough environment, has ensured the development of

around 3,000 varieties of quinoa, which have been cultivated and protected by the indigenous people of the

area (Andrews 2017). Due to the rising export demand of quinoa, many farmers are being forced to adopt

monoculture-cropping techniques, which are ignoring in-situ cultivation and protection of these other varieties

(Cherfas 2016). At present approximately 20 improved varieties of quinoa have been significantly reduced in

their production as the lighter coloured and larger grained quinoa is preferred on international markets

(Kasterine 2016). As such, the future adaptive capacity of quinoa is largely dependent on the survival of this

genetic diversity and in conjunction with appropriate climate change adaptation strategies.

One of the greatest challenges with creating sustainable agricultural practices with any crop is ensuring

the processes benefit all stakeholders. Farmers must be able to benefit financially from any changes made to

practices motivated by supplying a growing international demand for their product (Jacobsen 2011) whilst

also caring for the already limited natural resources. Instead of forcing farmers to convert back to tradition

methods of production. A potential step forward would be to introduce education mechanisms to implement

variations of agricultural methods that allow production to continue without increasing harm to the

environment.

Whilst a shift from traditional farming methods was of benefit to the farmers in the Var region of

France, who moved to more environmentally conscious aquaculture methods to produce Spirulina, can the

same process work for Peruvian farmers and quinoa? It’s unlikely that these farmers will be able to continue

to supply a growing western market, particularly as more competition arises as other countries around the

world begin to cultivate quinoa for their own use. Should farmers who are hoarding stocks of quinoa release

their grain onto the international market, this would cause a further slump in prices. Andean farmers are likely

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