Planned for virtual audiences this summer, the second annual International Quinoa Research Symposium will help growers, students, and scientific audiences learn about the newest advances surrounding this valuable superfood crop.
Organized by the Sustainable Seed Systems Lab at Washington State University, in collaboration with the WSU Food Systems Program, the symposium will take place August 17-19, 2020, using interactive, online platforms to showcase diverse presentations from leading experts worldwide.
Admission is free. The registration deadline is Aug. 10.
“The objective of the IQRS is to focus world attention on the role that quinoa plays in contributing to food security, human health and nutrition, sustainable production, and holistic use worldwide,” said Kevin Murphy, Associate Professor at WSU and IQRS co-organizer.
The event includes recorded field walks, interactive poster sessions, and online discussion forums focusing on topics including ancestral knowledge, genetic resources and wild relatives, and field and post-harvest phenotyping.
At the symposium, farmers will be able to learn about quinoa production, connect with scale appropriate buyers, and learn strategies for increasing demands. Processors can get an inside look into quinoa production, quality, and brokering relationships. Local government officials can learn about rising investment and policy opportunities, while scientists and researchers share cutting-edge findings, identify gaps in knowledge, and establish working relationships to advance quinoa research and development.
The WSU Sustainable Seed Systems Lab is a group of plant breeders, researchers, and graduate students working to diversity agro-ecological landscapes through innovative plant breeding and agronomic practices.
The WSU Food Systems Program works with communities throughout the state to foster viable farm businesses, natural resource stewardship, and access to healthy food for all.
For more information visit www.quinoasymposium.com.