Abstract
Grain amaranth (A. caudatus) is a native crop in Peru, although it has not been widely cultivated or extensively utilized for human or animal nutrition. This project was conducted to find ways to collect, improve, and produce amaranth. The germplasm collection assembled and cataloged is stored at the University of Cusco, with duplicates at the US Department of Agriculture Plant Introduction Station at Ames, Iowa. It represents the largest collection of A. caudatus in the world. A germplasm improvement program was initiated, and named varieties have been released for farmers. The Peruvian government provided funding for farmer outreach and market development.