Junda Jiang, the nursery manager at Lundberg Family Farm, presented the results of their efficient participatory quinoa breeding program. The program involved selecting the best quinoa varieties for organic production through on-farm trials and breeding goals set by the sales and marketing team. Over several years, they successfully developed two pure lines, one black and one red, for organic quinoa production in Humboldt and the Pacific Northwest. The program was a team effort, with various departments and outside support contributing to its success.
Title: A Successful Quinoa Breeding Program at Lundberg Family Farm
At Lundberg Family Farm, we take pride in our commitment to sustainable farming practices and continuous improvement. One of the key components of our operations is our efficient participatory quinoa breeding program. In this blog post, we will explore why participatory human breeding is essential at Lundberg Family Farm, how we approach quinoa breeding, and the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved through this program.
Why Participatory Human Breeding at Lundberg Family Farm?
Our leadership team at Lundberg Family Farm identified the nutritional value of quinoa as an ancient grain that aligns with our values of organic farming. With the support of our sales and marketing team, niche market opportunities for quinoa products were identified. This paved the way for our participatory plant breeding program to focus on sustainable organic farming practices. Engaging various departments within our company, including growth service managers, production teams, and research and development, allowed for a holistic approach to quinoa breeding.
How We Do Conceptual Quinoa Breeding
Our participatory quinoa breeding program kicked off in 2013 with on-farm variety trials and replicated plot trials to identify the best varieties for organic white quinoa production. Collaborating with partners like Washington State University, we expanded our trials to different regions, such as Northwest states and Humboldt County. Through rigorous evaluation of over 200 quinoa germplasms for grain quality and color, we selected the best varieties for advancement and amplification.
Accomplishments Through the Program
Over the years, we have successfully developed two pure lines of quinoa – a black and a red variety. From breeder seed production to foundation seed production, we meticulously evaluated sensory scores, yield potential, and grain quality. Our team’s efforts, from field technicians to sales teams, have culminated in the commercial production of these pure lines, now available in the market.
Our dedication to a company-wide and grower participatory program has been instrumental in the success of our quinoa breeding program. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including Washington State University, Wild Garden Seed, and other industry experts, we have been able to achieve remarkable results.
Acknowledgements
We want to express our gratitude to all the team members, partners, and mentors who have supported our quinoa breeding program. Special thanks to our leadership team, research specialists, and field technicians for their hard work and dedication. Without the guidance and support of industry experts like Dr. Kevin Murphy and Frank Morton, our achievements would not have been possible.
In conclusion, the success of our quinoa breeding program at Lundberg Family Farm is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to sustainable farming practices. We are proud to be a part of the quinoa community and look forward to continued innovation and improvement in our breeding program. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a more sustainable future in agriculture.
