From VOA Learning English, this is the Agriculture Report.When a grain becomes popular worldwide, there are two main effects:farmers who grow the grain earn more in profits, and people who use it for food pay more.Quinoa, a grain native to South America has become popular in many areas in recent years.In fact, the United Nations General Assembly approved a declaration making 2013 the International Year of the Quinoa.Quinoa is a traditional food crop in the Andes Mountains.The plant grows in an area near Lake Titicaca, along the border of Peru and Bolivia.Historical evidence shows that local people were growing quinoa as far back as 5,000 to 7,000 years ago.During this period, they used both the seeds and leaves of this wild plant.There are many kinds of quinoa.The plant can be grown in different climates and it does not require a lot of water.Both the seeds and leaves can be used as food.The seed is the most commonly used part. Quinoa can be ground into flour or cooked whole.
