In the Andean region of Peru, the predominant production system for potatoes is family farming, oriented towards self-consumption, seed provision, and the sale of surplus production. Labor force activities for land preparation, sowing, maintenance, harvest and postharvest are under the responsibility of the family and eventually they hire farm laborers, when parcels are of a considerable size. Approximately 95% of the cultivated surface of potato crops is located in the high Andean zone, from 3000 to 4200 meters above sea level (masl), employing native varieties of tuber seeds and modern seeds introduced to production systems in the past 50 years. Potato systems in Peru, like the majority of underdeveloped countries, are characterized by the co-existence of formal and informal systems. Formal systems prioritize production and commercialization of seeds of just a few varieties positioned in modern markets which are regulated and accredited by a certification body according to the current legislation, while in the informal system the guarantee of seed quality falls under the responsibility of the very producers and users of those seeds.
<p><strong>Background</strong>. The growing demand for organic quinoa in the national and international market has contributed to the intensification of quinoa cultivation under conventional production systems, causing changes in economic, environmental and social terms in the quinoa-producing areas of the inter-Andean valleys of the highlands of Peru. <strong>Objective</strong>. The aim of the study was to analyze the economic, social and environmental sustainability of organic quinoa production in plots of five communities in the province of Andahuaylas, Peru. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Surveys with structured questions were applied to a stratified sample of 50 organic quinoa producers with a focus on sustainability. The internal consistency of the scales used was validated by Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) using the optimal scale technique and the percentage scale was determined with 0 - 24% very low level of sustainability and 100% as optimal level of sustainability. <strong>Implications</strong>. The value of economic, environmental and social indicators determines the degree of sustainability of organic quinoa production systems. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> An Economic Indicator (KI) of 42.6%, Social Indicator (IS) of 52.7% and Environmental Indicator (EI) of 53.4% were found. The General Sustainability Index (GSI) was 50.9%, which results in an average sustainability level and with critical points related to the market and adverse climatic and biotic factors.</p>
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