Monoculture
Of 300,000 edible plants, just 3-maize, rice and wheat- account for half of world food consumption.
Which promotes the use of aggressive monoculture systems.
Resulting in genetical engineered crops that require the intense used of chemical pesticides undermining local and natural diversity with a destructive impact on soils.
The Muyu Method
Use the power of biodiversity
to grow abundant, healthy food for a better planet
Why Muyu?
Muyu is a quechua word that means both “seed” and “circular.” Our MilQ supports circular agriculture to grow abundant, nourishing food while paying fair prices to smallholder farmers.
Supporting Healthy Agro-Ecosystems
Some ingredients belong together - not just because they are nutritious and delicious but because they are partners in nature.
Planting quinoa on the same land year after year destroys soils, but crop rotation has been practiced in this part of the world for thousands of years while keeping soils healthy. Quinoa and Tarwi are part of the same crop rotation cycle. Using both these ingredients in one beverage, we are working to bring back ancient systems of circular agriculture.
Tarwi has been forgotten in most Andean communities since ancient times, but it plays an important role in this cycle by capturing nitrogen from the air to increase soil health. Tarwi also naturally repel pests and mildews without the need for synthetic pesticides.
Revitalizing Communities
Muyu purchases quinoa and tarwi directly from smallholder farmer cooperatives at above market prices negotiated every year. Andean farmers are the poorest demographic in South America and over 80% of our farmers are women. By purchasing native crops at fair prices, we are creating opportunities to earn a better living through regenerative agriculture. 1% of our sales will be donated to projects that support smallholder farmers.
Reducing Environmental Footprints
Andean crops such as Quinoa and Tarwi were selected by farmers over thousands of years to adapt to extreme mountain environments with scarce resources. Quinoa consumes 30X less water than almonds and 3x less than oats. Tarwi regenerates soils, which can store and capture carbon. We don't want to waste energy, so our MilQ doesn't require refrigeration until it's opened.
Sources: UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education (2010)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2013)