New funds flow to quinoa irrigation project to support small family farmers.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis., Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), one of the world's leading agricultural processors, has joined the Andean Family Farmers (AFF) partnership to support Bolivian quinoa smallholder farmers. Through ADM Cares, its social investment program, the company will provide funding to enable the extension of a greatly needed irrigation project in southern Bolivia.

Around the parched salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, assured access to water at critical times makes a major difference to smallholder quinoa farmers. An irrigation system can double the yield of quinoa per hectare and its value to the farmer, with measurable returns to the community in terms of education, health and sanitation improvements. It offers protection against losses from drought.

Currently AFF team members are working to install irrigation systems that will serve farms in five remote communities. Thanks to the support of ADM Cares, it will be possible to install a further 10 systems during 2015-16 in preparation for the 2016/17 crop cycle.

The cost of each system will be funded by an interest-free loan to each community against delivery of quinoa. With the anticipated increase in crop yield, it will be possible for loans to be repaid within two years, with subsequent proceeds accruing for community benefit, including additional investment in irrigation. The strength of this approach is that it is based on a commercial partnership between AFF and the farmers, rather than simply the transfer of "aid."

As one of the world's largest agricultural processors and ingredient providers, Chicago-based ADM takes an active role in building the communities in which its 33,000 employees and suppliers live and work. ADM Cares is actively involved in a wide range of projects, including disaster relief in Cote d'Ivoire and Japan, assistance to sustainable soybean farmers in Brazil and waterways cleanup in the USA.

"We're proud to partner with AFF to help improve irrigation and farming conditions for Bolivian quinoa farmers," said Ken Campbell of ADM's Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business.  "Projects like this one help ensure safe, sustainable farming practices for local farmers and also provide ADM with unique products such as quinoa to help our customers meet the growing demand for healthier ingredients and products."

About Andean Naturals and AFF
Founded in 2004, Andean Naturals is a leading US importer of organic quinoa and other ancient grains. Andean set up the Andean Family Farmers (AFF) program in 2013 to coordinate and expand its support to family farmers growing quinoa by traditional methods around the Salar de Uyuni. Andean seeks partnerships with businesses and individuals that share its goals of fairness and sustainability in feeding the world. Learn more at andeannaturals.com.

ADM is joining current AFF partners with ongoing projects including Kellogg Company (soil health and irrigation), Fair Trade USA (Fair Trade certification and women's issues) and Root Capital (financial and accounting literacy).

"ADM has been a great market partner since 2011," Sergio Nunez de Arco, chief officer of Andean Naturals, said. "This adds something important. It tells us we're heading in the same direction. Most of all it means that some of the world's poorest farmers will soon have reliable access to the simple blessing of water."

The donation was given through ADM Cares. ADM Cares is a social investment program that directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.

About ADM
For more than a century, the people of Archer Daniels Midland Company ADM have transformed crops into products that serve the vital needs of a growing world. Today, ADM is one of the world's largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers, with more than 33,000 employees serving customers in more than 140 countries. With a global value chain that includes more than 460 crop procurement locations, 300 ingredient manufacturing facilities, 40 innovation centers and the world's premier crop transportation network, we connect the harvest to the home, making products for food, animal feed, chemical and energy uses. Learn more at www.adm.com.

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SOURCE Andean Naturals