Global Trends in the Worldwide Expansion of Quinoa Cultivation

For centuries, quinoa cultivation was centered only in the Andean countries, and recently it has spread to all regions of the world. Although the number of exporting countries has increased, Bolivia and Peru remain the world’s leading producers and exporters. Today, more than 125 countries are experimenting with or cultivating quinoa. The expansion of the crop has only been possible due to the genetic diversity of seeds maintained by generations of farmers in the Andes. As access to quinoa genetic resources in Andean countries remains limited, this implies that the development of new varieties relies on a narrow genetic base relative to the theoretical potential of the species. The use of improved varieties has increased, especially with the emergence of new countries sourcing seed from commercial varieties to start cultivation. To cope with the increasing effects of climate change, it is essential to increase the resilience of crop by taking advantage of their genetic diversity. The current global crisis can only be overcome in the North or in the South by establishing new partnerships for access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits of their use. In the last 30 years, quinoa from the Andean countries gained a position in global markets and improved the quality of life of producers. However, at the end of 2015, producer prices collapsed. Quinoa development is dynamic, and now Andean producers face different scenarios with new competitors and new concerns. Being aware of the new reality is essential to face the new challenges responsibly. Analysis at different scales is fundamental, as is promoting local diversity and cooperating towards innovative production systems and inclusive processes that benefit everyone.