It’s 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.
While the appetite for quinoa has improved living standards for producers, to meet increased demand many quinoa farmers have expanded cultivation of the crop beyond their traditional high-elevation plots. This has implications for the long-term sustainability of quinoa farming which Fairtrade is working to address.
Choosing Fairtrade quinoa makes a difference
Fairtrade aims to empower quinoa farmers to meet the challenges they face and continue improving their living conditions. Consumers like you can help, by choosing Fairtrade quinoa when you shop.
Fairtrade certified quinoa farmers are paid a Fairtrade Minimum Price that can offset sudden price drops which may occur in increasingly competitive markets. Organically grown quinoa receives an even higher Fairtrade Minimum Price.
Farmers also receive a Fairtrade Premium – an extra sum of money paid on top of the selling price that farmers and workers invest in business or community projects of their choice. The Premium can help farming communities to improve local infrastructure and purchase agricultural inputs. In the case of quinoa, at least 30 percent of the Premium must be invested into environmentally sustainable production and processing techniques.
The Fairtrade Standards encourage practices to improve the sustainability of quinoa farming, from preventing soil erosion to safeguarding biodiversity.
Fairtrade’s approach also fosters stronger farmer organizations, which are better suited to implement collective improvements such as communal water management and crop processing facilities.
Quinoa is a healthy food that Andean farmers have shared with the world. When you buy Fairtrade quinoa, you are helping to ensure that this food can continue to be enjoyed for many generations to come!
The Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum of money paid on top of the selling price that farmers or workers invest in projects of their choice.
They decide together and democratically how to spend the Fairtrade Premium to reach their goals, such as improving their farming, businesses, or health and education in their community. Farmers and workers know best what their priorities and needs are.
Since 2014, Fairtrade farmers and workers have received well over half a billion euros in Fairtrade Premium.
This is a unique benefit enabled by your decision to buy Fairtrade products.
Are you a farmer, worker or business interested in Fairtrade certification?
Fairtrade products are widely available. The blue countries and territories on the map below have Fairtrade organizations that promote Fairtrade products. Their websites often include a product finder to show you the full variety of Fairtrade products near you. Even if there isn't a Fairtrade organization where you live, Fairtrade products may still be available – look for our familiar marks on products!
