The United States - 1777 Words

Recently emerging as a significant trend amongst the health-conscious community, quinoa has become a symbol of healthy and organic living across America. Due to this sudden rise in demand, this Bolivian superfood has been hitting the shelves of stores around the country faster than ever. This journey to American supermarket shelves is one that has recently come under scrutiny for its effects on the environment and the Bolivian farmers who grow and harvest it. In this paper, I will discuss the details of the importation of quinoa from Bolivia, the impact this grain has had on the natives of Bolivia and the environment as a whole, and the symbolic and material value this grain possesses in the everyday culture of the United States. The†¦show more content†¦The means of production are not owned by Ancient Harvest, rather the company purchases the quinoa from the small farming communities, but in order to ensure the organic quality that is expected in their quinoa the company sp onsors farmer support programs that help farmers achieve organic certification and educate them on practices like using organic fertilizers and pesticides (Ancient Harvest). The company helps enable the means of production through these programs, as well as provide funding for certain projects that assist the quinoa production, such as the building of a road in one of the farming communities that helped them access better, higher altitude quinoa fields (Ancient Harvest). Though the company seems to be ethical with their suppliers, the company’s website fails to include any details as to whether their products are fair trade certified, which means their products are not fair trade certified. This leaves that possibility that Ancient Harvest’s suppliers could be subject to unethical practices. The company markets the healthy aspects of its products heavily, clearly stating the fact that their product was organically grown, gluten-free, and kosher. The company also really highlights their prosperous 30-year relationship with the Bolivian farmers they trade with, but the absence of a Fair Trade certification leaves the conscientious consumer to wonder if the