Manitoban among 1st of family farms to grow quinoa in province

It's a grain from south of the equator but quinoa is finding roots in Manitoba soil according toone family farmeast of Winnipeg

Ryan Pengelly, who farms in theEricksonarea, 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 itat local farmers' markets and hopes to break into the online market this year.

Pengelly said thehigh-proteingrain isan 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'squinoa will be on sale at the WolseleyFarmers' Market, the St. Norbert Farmers' Marketand the Downtown Farmers' Market at Manitoba Hydro Place this fall.