Optimal Growth Parameters Assessed To Maximize Quinoa Production

Industry partners in a collaborative project entitled Pure Ontario Quinoa have conducted an agronomic gap assessment to survey the research to date on the best agronomic practices for quinoa. Quinoa has been grown in North America with good results; however, research and cultivation in Canada, specifically on Ontario soils, is limited. While production is sufficient for commercialization, recommendations from this assessment have also helped identify the specific need for future research projects to help further understand optimal agronomic practices for achieving the highest seed yield and seed quality. Outcomes from this production optimization assessment will assist Ontario’s agri-food and agri-food product businesses in efficiently expanding new crops while achieving high purity, and accessing markets centered on the value of nutrition and health. This assessment has included a detailed analysis of nutrient management and necessary soil conditions and requirements, for production in Ontario. This literature review completed by the project members and external consultants will be shared with agronomists, investors, and other value chain stakeholders to demonstrate the viability of Ontario-grown Quinta Quinoa and the potential for further growth and development of this crop.

This project is funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.