One of the topics was the amount of straw left after the wheat harvesting and its’ use almost entirely for feeding and bedding at cow shades. The use of quinoa straw, after harvesting the grains, sounded more interesting since it was examined in “precision livestock cells” that enabled examine each cow separately and balance the weight and food consumption. Quinoa straw showed higher digestibility than straw.

We have invited MIGAL’s and Ministry of Agriculture’s researchers. We also invited entrepreneurs. Based on the meeting some additional negotiation with farmers followed the meeting. It seems, from the presentation and discussions that were taking place during the meeting, that the industry, which may be interested in using biomass, could not show data of economic value to farmers.

New interests in growing quinoa and uses of the straw (after the grains were harvested) as raw materials for new uses. Continue research is planned of the use capabilities for quinoa residues and straw, as feed for animals.