Agricultural terraces are ideal for the cultivation of naturally produced organic crops, especially Andean staples such as maize, the nutritious Andean grains quinoa and kiwicha and European introductions such as wheat, barley and broad beans. The use of modern agrochemicals on such terraces destroys the favourable biological microenvironment, as well as removing vitamins and taste from the produce.
CT and its local NGO partner Asociacion Andina Cusichaca (AAC) are now developing commercialization projects with rural communities, forming independent 'Associations of Local Producers' to deliver organic crops cultivated on restored terraces directly to the markets of Lima and other cities. The scheme will involve rural family members who have migrated to the cities in the marketing of the products from their home communities. Ultimately the goal is to reach international consumers.
As an important support to these new commercialisation projects, CT and AAC have recently established a plant in Pomacocha in the Chicha-Soras valley to process organic crops such as quinua. Products will be sorted, graded and bagged, ready for sale in Lima, where negotiations are currently under way with prospective commercial outlets.