Quinoa is an ancient grain originating from the slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America.  The seeds produced are gluten free, have complete protein (all essential amino acids) and excellent starch and fibre composition.  Current trends leaning to plant based and gluten free products have quinoa positioned for excellent growth potential in whole seed, ingredient and plant-based meat channels.  Still considered a specialty crop, quinoa is a “high risk, high reward” crop that must be intensely managed both in season and as part of an overall crop rotation.  With agronomic practices specific to western Canada being developed and first-generation varieties adapted to western Canada on the verge of release, western Canada is well positioned to become a global leader in quinoa production.