BCS controls the organic certification of the heirloom crops, while the Canadian Development Fund provides capital for harvesting equipment. Chicago-based Inca Organics provides international marketing of the finished products. Beginning in 1998 twelve families in Los Angeles cultivated quinoa in the traditional organic way for the project. But, the project has more far-reaching goals than just developing a thriving economic base for indigenous communities. The indigenous diet has rapidly changed from one of traditional foodstuffs to one of processed, less nutritious food.
Malnutrition is a serious problem.
In order promote proper nutrition, the Project buys only two-thirds of each family's crop. The other third is then available to the family for their consumption. All of these traditional crops are highly nutritious and protein-rich, including quinoa, lupin, and amaranth. Help is offered to the women to teach them how to cook these traditional foods. Additionally, a natural medicine program has begun.