Thesis
Experiences and perceptions of Quinoa production in the western United States
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2016
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103647
Abstract
Quinoa, (Chenopodium quinoa), once an obscure 'hippie' food found mostly at health food stores in the United States (U.S.), has now risen to super star status in the health-conscious food world. Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a nutrient-dense and versatile pseudograin, meaning it is a not a grain even though it is often treated as one. It also contains no gluten. In this research, I explore the recent increase in interest in U.S.-grown quinoa, particularly in the western U.S., focusing on farmers' perspectives. I use two primary data collection methods, a mail/web survey and semi-structured interviews, to lay the foundation for understanding farmers' interest in producing quinoa. The results presented in this thesis provide an overview of historical and current perceptions of U.S.-grown quinoa. I report findings from bivariate analyses using data from a mail/web survey of Washington State certified organic producers. I examine the relationships between interest in quinoa production and variables measuring farmer demographics, farm characteristics, farm products and marketing, familiarity with quinoa, sources of agricultural information, farmer self-perceptions, opinions about quinoa production and consumption, and perceived benefits and barriers of growing quinoa. Respondents perceive processing as the main barrier to increased quinoa production and report agronomic benefits as the main reason to grow quinoa in the future. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, I describe the experiences of U.S. quinoa pioneers and provide current and historical information about the 'emergence' of U.S.-grown quinoa. Analysis of interviews with early quinoa pioneers, farmers, processors, academics, and quinoa enthusiasts in the western U.S. provides insights into several recurring themes. These themes are divided into perceived benefits and barriers to U.S. quinoa production. Perceived barriers include lack of knowledge, weed management, abiotic factors and yield, post-harvest processing (including cleaning and saponin removal), and marketing. The perceived benefits to quinoa production are additional rotation crop and economic profitability.
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Details
- Title
- Experiences and perceptions of Quinoa production in the western United States
- Creators
- Alison C. Detjens
- Contributors
- Jessica R. Goldberger (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, College of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525369801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis