From Learning English, this is the Agriculture Report.
When a grain becomes popular worldwide, there are two main effects: farmers who grow the grain earn more in profits, and people who use it for food pay more.
Quinoa, a grain native to South America has become popular in many areas in recent years. In fact, the United Nations General Assembly approved a declaration making the International Year of the Quinoa.
Quinoa is a traditional food crop in the Andes Mountains. The plant grows in an area near Lake Titicaca, along the border of Peru and Bolivia. Historical evidence shows that local people were growing quinoa as far back as 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. During this period, they used both the seeds and leaves of this wild plant.
There are many kinds of quinoa. The plant can be grown in different climates and it does not require a lot of water. Both the seeds and leaves can be used as food.
The seed is the most commonly used part. Quinoa can be ground into flour or cooked whole. It is used in cereals, drinks and fresh salads. It can also be mixed with vegetables or beans for a full meal. The leaves and stems can also be used for medicinal purposes. Some people use them to reduce pain, heal wounds, and even keep insects away.
Quinoa is full of amino acids and minerals. Amino acids are organic compounds that form protein. The body needs them to help break down food, and to grow, and repair tissue.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization believes that quinoa can be used to fight hunger, and feed a growing world population. The reason is the high value of protein provided by quinoa.
The crop has also become popular among those seeking healthier ways to eat. The center of the seed contains up to 45 percent protein.
Quinoa is currently grown in more than 70 countries. Peru and Bolivia together produce 92 percent of the crop. The rest comes mainly from the United States, Ecuador, Canada and Argentina.
Starting about 10 years ago, the popularity of Quinoa caused its price to rise quickly. Many Bolivian farmers have gained from this increase by earning more. They have been able to buy vehicles and other goods with the increased profits.
However, other Bolivians have had to give up their main food because it costs too much. Instead, they are buying and cooking with other foods that are not as rich in healthy minerals and proteins.
And thats the Agriculture Report from Learning English. You can find more agriculture stories at our website . You can also leave comments at our website, or email them to us at . Im Christopher Cruise.
词汇讲解：
1. evidence n.证词; 证据
例句：What evidence do you see?
您看到什么迹象呢?
2. protein adj.蛋白质的
例句：They are all protein foods.
他们全是蛋白质食品。
3. cause vt.成为的原因; 导致; 引起
例句：This will cause direct friction.
这将导致直接摩擦。
4. increase vt.增强，增进
例句：Increase your ability to maneuver.
提高你应变的能力。
5. instead adv.代替，顶替
例句：Instead, he pledged to boost enforcement of existing laws.
作为替代，奥巴马总统保证将加强目前现存的有关法律。
短语讲解：
1. In fact, the United Nations General Assembly approved a declaration making the International Year of the Quinoa.
in fact 实际上，其实
例句：In fact quite the opposite.
事实上，情况恰好相反。
2. The plant can be grown in different climates and it does not require a lot of water.
a lot of 许多的; 诸多
例句：Bangladesh has a lot of rural poverty.
孟加拉有许多贫困的农村地区。
3. It can also be mix with vegetables or beans for a full meal.
mix with 与混[结]合
例句： In my job, I mix with all sorts of people.
我在工作中常和各种人打交道.
4. The body needs them to help break down food, and to grow, and repair tissue.
break down 失败; 划分; 损坏
例句：Never use hydrogen peroxide because it can break down newly formed tissue.
千万不要使用双氧水清洗，因为它会损坏新生成的组织。
5. Quinoa is currently grown in more than 70 countries.
more than 不只是; 很; 超过; 在次以上
例句：More than 1000 turned up.
最后共有1000多人出席。
6. They have been able to buy vehicles and other goods with the increased profits.
be able to 能，会; 能够
例句：You should be able to converse comfortably.
你应该能够舒服地进行谈话。
7. However, other Bolivians have had to give up their main food because it costs to much.
give up 放弃; 投降
例句：Others give up after an injury.
其他人在受伤后放弃了。