By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media
- Oct 13, 2015
- 1 min read

ADM, Kashi Fund Irrigation Project for Bolivian Quinoa Production

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Kellogg’s-owned Kashi have both joined forces with the Andean Family Farmers (AFF) partnership to fund the installation of irrigation systems in Bolivia in support of quinoa production.

It has been shown that irrigation could double quinoa yields per hectare, and the additional funding provided by ADM through its ADM Cares program and Kashi will provide another 10 irrigation systems during the 2015/16 season to serve the 2016/17 crop.

The cost of each system will be funded through an interest-free loan to each community against delivery of quinoa from the resulting crop. Given the expected increase in output, it is expected that the loans will be repaid within two years.

“We’re proud to partner with A.F.F. to help improve irrigation and farming conditions for Bolivian quinoa farmers,” said Ken Campbell of ADM’s Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business. “Projects like this one help ensure safe, sustainable farming practices for local farmers and also provide ADM with unique products such as quinoa to help our customers meet the growing demand for healthier ingredients and products.”

Kashi is also backing the AFF Light-A-Community project designed to provide access to solar-powered electricity to rural Bolivian communities to drive the pumps that will feed the irrigation systems, and to power computers or cell phones that will give farmers access to market information.

The AFF was formed in 2013 by Andean Naturals, a U.S. importer of organic quinoa and ancient grains. With offices in Yuba City, California and La Paz, Bolivia, Andean Naturals is working to support family farmers growing quinoa using traditional methods.