• Director(s):

    CADOR (YANNICK)

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2013

  • Language(s):

    German, French

  • Rights:

    TV, DVD, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET, VOD

According to the United Nations, 2013 is the “year of quinoa”. The UN considers quinoa to be a plant of outstanding nutritional value, and a possible remedy for world food crises.

Bolivia is the cradle of quinoa. The crop was still traditionally grown there in the 1970s, but since then, its cultivation has intensified as a result of the explosion of worldwide demand. Today, the quinoa business brings in nearly 100 million dollars to Bolivia, one of the poorest countries in South America. But today, two types of quinoa exist. One type is certified organic, and is exported. The other, a non-labelled type of lesser quality, is flogged on the black market being too expensive for daily consumption by Bolivians, who prefer the more affordable rice or pasta. A vicious circle has been set in motion with quantities and profits increasing and quality diminishing. More and more countries are now producing quinoa, even if it means dispossessing the Bolivians of what is an age-old genetic heritage.