Bolivia, Peru Battle For Quinoa Market Share

Rising global demand for the grain quinoa has ignited a feud between producer countries Bolivia and Peru. Quinoa is grown organically on smaller farms in Bolivia, leading to higher prices for U.S. and other buyers. In Peru, however, quinoa is produced by agribusinesses using conventional methods, including chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Peruvian quinoa prices are lower, and Bolivia’s growers say they are being priced out of the market. Organic quinoa costs $10 a pound retail in the United States, while non-organic costs $5.00. To save money, some U.S. buyers are mixing organic and conventional quinoa. To better compete, Bolivian producers say they need more government help in certifying organic purity.