Peru’s First Lady Named FAO’s Special Ambassador for the International Year of Quinoa

The First Lady of Peru Nadine Heredia, also a member of the SUN Movement Lead Group, was invited by José Graziano da Silva, Director General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to act as FAO Special Ambassador for the International Year of Quinoa. Upon official announcement of her appointment during the UN General Assembly, Director General Graziano da Silva said the invitation “comes in recognition of Mrs. Heredia’s work in support of the role of this crop in the eradication of poverty and boosting food and nutritional security.”

The International Year of Quinoa was established by the UN General Assembly following an initiative by Bolivian President Evo Morales. This year’s theme, “A Future Sowed Thousands of Years Ago,” will highlight the nutritional benefits quinoa offered pre-Columbian Andean civilizations. FAO’s promotion of quinoa at the global level is part of a larger organizational goal to harness the nutritional potential of traditional crops.

As an FAO Special Ambassador, and SUN Lead Group member, the First Lady will continue her efforts to bring attention to quinoa’s nutritional potential, highlight indigenous Andean communities’ contributions to the cultivation of quinoa and promote quinoa production. The First Lady’s nomination ceremony is scheduled for the 29 of October at UN headquarters, to coincide with the launch of the International Year of Quinoa.