27.05.2009
Struggle of small farmers in the south guarantees achievements in Brasilia

In the last two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) thousands of rural and urban workers protested in various cities of the States of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná in order to seek solutions to the crisis due to the prolonged draught. At the same time in Brasilia, a commission of representatives of Via Campesina, Fetraf and Fetag were negotiating with the Federal Government.

In one positive development, the Ministry of National Integration announced that the Federal Government will increase the assistance to the municipalities affected by the draught, from 20 to 40 million R$. There will be between R$ 150.000 to R$ 300.000 available for every municipality depending on the registered loss. The entities have also arranged an audience for today 28/05 with the Secretariat of the Government.

According to Ricardo Montagner, from the Movement of Dam Affected People farmers will discuss with the municipal prefectures the best way to use these resources mainly in order to strengthen food production. “MAB, MST, MPA, the social pastorals and other rural organizations will participate actively within the municipal agriculture councils in order to guarantee that the resources will be directed principally to those who were more active in this struggle for compensation” he affirmed.

Via Campesina evaluates that progress in the discussions for assistance was only possible due to the popular mobilization. According to Ricardo Montagner “history proves once more that victories are only achieved with lots of struggle”. However, even if important, these victories are not sufficient to cover the great loss of crops and income. “So, Via Campesina has already decided that the mobilizations will resume next week with the establishment of camps in front of the banks until all our demands are met by the authorities”, concluded the coordinator of MAB.