2014英语四级听力练习慢速3.22(1)_大学英语听力

2014英语四级听力练习慢速3.22(1)

　　Hello and welcome to As It Is from Learning English! Im Anna Matteo in Washington.

　　On todays As It Is, we will hear two agricultural stories that have something in common. The United Nations celebrates them both. The UN named the International Year of the Quinoa.

　　For , they celebrate The International Year of Family Farming. Many call family farming the main form of farming worldwide. We will hear more about that later in the show.

　　But why celebrate quinoa? Why does a tiny, ancient grain deserve a UN celebration? Heres agricultural reporter Christopher Cruise to explain.

　　Quinoa

　　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 five thousand to seven thousand 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.