Farmers in Peru Move Beyond Potatoes and Corn

Once considered a rare delicacy, artichokes are increasingly common on dinner plates throughout North America. Global Impact member charity CARE is helping to ensure that there is a plentiful supply to meet the demand while also helping rural farmers in Peru increase their income.

Andrea and her family were the first ones to grow artichokes in this community in Peru about four years ago. Now, about 125 families in the community grow the exotic vegetable. CARE suggested to Andrea that she try growing artichokes because she could get more money exporting the artichokes than she could for potatoes and corn.

In Peru, CARE works exclusively with families that own small plots of land. Most families grow corn and potatoes as well as artichokes. Artichokes grow year-round here and once mature, the crops are harvested weekly. Andrea and her family have been able to hire many people to help with their artichoke field.

“I feel more powerful now, because she knows these new skills and can teach her workers and others these new agricultural skills,” said the local worker who trained Andrea.

Andrea would like to rent additional fields for more production. When asked how she planned to expand her fields she answered “Este campo es mi banco!” (This field is my bank!) Andrea's husband is blind, so she plays the primary role in growing artichokes on her land. She enjoys the taste of artichokes and uses them in soups, stews and baked goods. Her artichokes are completely organic and are fertilized with guinea pig and cow waste.

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