Threat for food security in the countries of origin
Since the late 20th century, quinoa grain has attracted worldwide attention due to its ability to produce high protein grains under ecologically extreme conditions, making it an potentially important crop for the diversification of future agricultural systems in different parts of the world. However, this growing worldwide demand for quinoa, combined with an insufficient supply from quinoa-producing South American countries, has resulted in increased prices in the grain's native countries, making it unaffordable for local populations and threatening their food security (Blythman, 2013).