Discover how Rhumveld, in collaboration with industry leaders, is transforming the lives of quinoa farmers. By supporting sustainable practice in quinoa production, we’re contributing to a better future for farmers and the environment.
There are significant challenges facing agricultural communities on Bolivia’s Southern Altiplano, but they also hold a valuable heritage: quinoa cultivation has been going on for more than 3,000 years. Supported by collective efforts towards a sustainable and just future, these farmers are at the center of a profound transformation.
In collaboration with other market-leading companies, Rhumveld has made a strong commitment to help these farmers overcome their difficulties and empower them to create a more sustainable agricultural system.
The growing global demand for quinoa has led to an increase in production, which, while initially beneficial, soon began to damage the land.
With the use of pesticides and heavy machinery, the soil was severely degraded, leading to desertification. Lands that once produced abundant crops began to die, along with farming hopes.
The future of these farmers and their communities was in danger without intervention. After centuries of living off the land, farmers could no longer support their families.
The soil condition were critical, and without intervination, quinoa would no longer grow.
As a response to this crisis, regenerative practices have been implemented, which are a series of methods designed both to stop soil degradation and reverse it once it begins.
Aside from restoring soil health, these methods mitigate climate change by reducing emissions and capturing carbon. These practices also improve water cycles, restore natural habitats, and promote biodiversity.
There are numerous regenerative practices implemented, including reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, minimal soil disturbance, and composting.
Below are some of the actions implemented in Bolivia:
Cover Crops & Cover Rotation
Using these methods improve the soil structure, increase water retention, and reduce the erosion. The rotation of crops and the use of protective plants on the land enriches the soil, restoring fertility and biodiversity to the ecosystem.
Integration of livestock
Through their manure, llamas provide a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer, and they also maintain soil health by grazing during crop fallow. By returning to nature, farmers will be able to reduce the use of chemical inputs and work closer to nature.
Education & Training
Farmers receive extensive education and training on regenerative agricultural practices. They learned how to implement sustainable farming techniques effectively, how to improve the soil health, increase crop yields and reduce chemical inputs.
This project has had a transformative effect. Farmers who once struggled to get enough from their land are now seeing much higher yields. By revitalizing the soil, the lands are not only producing more, but are also doing so sustainably, ensuring long-term agriculture viability.
The benefits aren’t just agricultural. Farmers have been able to access premium markets through improved practices, where consumers value regenerative quinoa for its quality and sustainability. By providing a stable and predictable income for their communities, they not only receive better prices for their products, but they also strengthen their communities.
All of these efforts culminated in the achievement of Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). Besides guaranteeing quinoa is organic, this globally recognized seal certifies that it is grown in a way that promotes biodiversity and regenerates the land.
Bolivian quinoa farmers have benefited from this certification, as they have gained access to new markets and become more competitive in the global market.
As much as Rhumveld and its partners are committed to a sustainable future, ROC certification is more than a technical achievement. By buying quinoa, consumers are assured that it has been grown in a responsible manner, with respect for the land and its people.
Learn about the impact of ROC certification >>
Sustainability is a shared effort. That’s why we invite our customers and partners to take part. They are not only offering a high-quality product, but also a message of hope and commitment to the environment when they use our ROC quinoa in their packaging and marketing materials.
As a result of aligning with this mission, brands not only meet a growing need for sustainable products, but also build a deeper connection with their customers. Each pack of ROC quinoa tells a story: the story of a farmer who has transformed both his land and his life.
See How Your Brand Can Make a Difference >>
In Bolivia, the Rhumveld project is more than just an agriculture initiative; it demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can transform communities and preserve the planet for future generations. We build a more just and sustainable future by regenerating soil, and we build it by empowering farmers.
Join us on this journey towards a regenerative future by supporting quinoa farmers. Find out how you can help.
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