Cereals; quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

HS code 100850 covers the classification of quinoa, a highly nutritious and versatile cereal grain that has gained significant global popularity in recent years. Quinoa is cultivated primarily in the Andean region of South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, where it has been a staple food for centuries. As a gluten-free, protein-rich grain, quinoa has become a sought-after ingredient in the health food and specialty food industries, contributing to its growing importance in the international trade of agricultural products.

Quinoa is typically grown at high altitudes in the Andes, where the climate and soil conditions are well-suited for its cultivation. The production process involves sowing the quinoa seeds, managing the crop through various stages of growth, and harvesting the mature grains. After harvesting, the quinoa grains undergo cleaning, processing, and packaging to prepare them for distribution and consumption.

The primary inputs required for quinoa production include arable land, water, and agricultural equipment and machinery. Quinoa is typically grown using traditional farming methods, although some producers have adopted more modern techniques and technologies to improve yields and efficiency. Additionally, quinoa production relies on a skilled agricultural workforce, as well as access to transportation and storage infrastructure to facilitate the movement of the crop to domestic and international markets.

The primary output of HS code 100850 is quinoa, which can be consumed directly as a food grain or used as an ingredient in a variety of food products, such as cereals, breads, and snacks. Quinoa is also used as an animal feed, particularly for poultry and livestock. The outputs of this industry may be consumed by a range of other industries, including 190410 Cereal foods, swollen or roasted, 190420 Cereal grains, otherwise prepared, and 230990 Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included.