Quinoa grain now also cultivated in Flanders
For the first time, the grain quinoa, native to South America, is being grown in Flanders, as it increases in popularity
20 hectares this year
“That is a big difference with last year, when only 10 hectares were sowed, only in Wallonia,” said spokesperson Greet Riebbels of the Flemish Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research (Ilvo).
Ilvo is also involved in experimental research on quinoa cultivation, specifically on studies examining the ideal time for sowing and the right fertilisation processes. Herbicides are being tested at the Provincial Test Centre for Vegetable Cultivation in East Flanders. There currently is no product approved to protect quinoa against weeds, according to Ilvo.

Flemish agriculture and horticulture
percent of Belgium’s fruit harvest comes from Flanders
agriculture businesses in Flanders in 2011
people employed in Flemish agriculture and horticulture in 2011