Manitoban among 1st of family farms to grow quinoa in province
Ryan Pengelly managed to produce a few hundred kilograms of quinoa last year on farm near Erickson
It's a grain from south of the equator but quinoa is finding roots in Manitoba soil according to one family farm east of Winnipeg
Ryan Pengelly, who farms in the Erickson area, said he became intrigued by quinoa when he was living in Peru.
"It is grown in South America at high altitudes, which means cooler temperatures, less precipitation and marginal soil," said Pengelly. "Those [are] characteristics we have right here."
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Last year, Pengelly managed to produce a few hundred kilograms of quinoa on his Manitoba family farm. He sold it at local farmers' markets and hopes to break into the online market this year.
Pengelly said the high-protein grain is an attractive plant for consumers and producers alike.
"Because of its higher value it could mean higher profits per acre, which means we can farm fewer acres," said Pengelly.
Pengelly's quinoa will be on sale at the Wolseley Farmers' Market, the St. Norbert Farmers' Market and the Downtown Farmers' Market at Manitoba Hydro Place this fall.