In class this past week we reviewed the concepts of supply and demand.  We went as far as to simulate a market where buyers and sellers came together to maximize their potential consumer and producer surplus.

To enforce the idea of how demand shifts can cause price changes in the market we introduced  the example of Quinoa in Bolivia.

Below is an article entitled, “Can vegans stomach the unpalatable truth about quinoa?” by Joanna Blythman.  This was published in the Gaurdian in January, 2013

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jan/16/vegans-stomach-unpalatable-truth-quinoa

The writer believes that the increase in demand from western sources has priced local consumers out of the market.

In response economist Marc F. Bellemare posts these ideas to his blog:

http://marcfbellemare.com/wordpress/8218

http://marcfbellemare.com/wordpress/10754

So who is right here?  I believe that Marc makes some compelling points regarding the right questions economists must ask.

I’m anticipating his results and look forward to seeing how this argument develops.