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COLOMBIA: The Food Basket is Running Out

I was searching for Colombian food recipes and this came up on the first page on Google! Wow...this is a very interesting read! I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about this since some of you may have more knowledge of how things are over there.

COLOMBIA: The Food Basket Is Running Out
By Helda Martínez

TUTA, Boyacá, Colombia, Mar 18 (IPS) - Boyacá, known as the "food basket of Colombia", is currently the country’s second poorest province, and small farmers there say it is more expensive to raise crops than to buy pre-packaged food.

The government provides no incentives to raise food crops in Boyacá, and farmers lack the means of transportation necessary for marketing what they sell. At the same time, they must deal with the effects of Colombia’s four-decade old armed conflict.

In the municipality of Tuta, traditionally a vegetable and dairy farming centre, the government is pursuing a project with a foreign company to grow sugar beets for ethanol production.

"They are replacing milk for children with gasoline for cars," agronomist Fernando Fonseca commented to IPS.

Tuta is one of the 123 municipalities making up the province of Boyacá, which stretches northeast from the centre of the country to the Venezuelan border. The 2005 census placed the provincial population at 1.25 million, a figure estimated by the regional tourism authorities to have grown to 1.4 million today, out of a total national population of 43 million.

It is also estimated that 71.5 percent of the population lives in poverty, including 41.5 percent who live in extreme poverty, according to 2006 figures from the National Planning Department.

Roughly 18 percent of the people of Boyacá live in the departmental capital, Tunja, while another nine percent live in three cities of between 27,000 and 54,000 inhabitants each. The rest of the population, just over one million people, live scattered throughout the countryside and in municipal capitals with less than 10,000 inhabitants.

"The countryside is depopulated because the Colombian government isn’t interested in land for campesinos (peasant farmers)," said Fonseca.

The César Gaviria administration (1990-1994) opened up the agricultural market to foreign competition, which benefited from cuts in import tariffs.

"Every six-month period, seven million tons of food entered the country from abroad, while close to a million hectares of crops have disappeared, and the few programmes and resources devoted to the campesino economy have disappeared with them," said economist Alicia Duque from the non-governmental Institute of Studies for Development and Peace.

"Many countries consider it important to protect their sources of food, which is why they devote financial, industrial and government resources to farm subsidies. But in Colombia, resources earmarked for rural areas go to war and bureaucracy," said Fonseca.

"The government facilitates the import of the same products we grow, while our own crops are dying. It has become cheaper to buy than to produce. These are measures adopted in advance of the free trade agreement," he added. "Imagine what it will be like if they approve it!"

Fonseca was referring to the free trade agreement already signed by Colombia and the United States, which the government of rightwing President �?lvaro Uribe is actively lobbying to get passed by the U.S. Congress.

But it is not only the influx of cheaper food from outside the country that is threatening agricultural production in Boyacá.

"In Paya (190 km northeast of Tunja) they grow the best avocadoes in Colombia. Ten avocadoes cost 1,000 pesos (48 cents of a dollar). But in the big cities they eat Venezuelan avocadoes that cost a dollar and a half each," local schoolteacher Manuel Rueda told IPS.

The reason is simple: there are no adequate roads, highways and vehicles to transport the avocadoes to the large markets.

"We have always been poor here, and every day it seems less likely that we will stop being poor," campesino Florencio Alfonso told IPS.

Alfonso, 63, works for another campesino who is slightly less poor than he is, and devotes his Sundays to working his own parcel of land, near the town Miraflores.

"We don’t even grow enough food for our own families. Agriculture only earns money for people who have enough to invest, for those who live near the central highway, or for those who have their own transportation," he said.

"In Boyacá there used to be huge crops of barley, wheat and potatoes. But then they started to bring them in from other countries and that really hurt us," he added.

Economist Duque pointed out that "in 1993 barley production nationwide was 72,000 tons, with the vast majority grown in Boyacá, but after the freeing up of the markets output fell to 5,000 tons. The same thing happened in the case of wheat. Domestic production declined as imports increased. In 2004 over a million tons of wheat was imported while domestic output stood at no more than 50,000 tons."

Gaviria’s market opening policy and the lack of initiatives to promote agricultural production, combined with the massive displacement of rural populations caused by the armed conflict, have brought an end to formerly vast areas of crops like corn, cassava, onions, beans and coffee.

This situation has led to an increase in poverty while spurring younger generations to migrate out of rural areas.

"My children moved to Bogotá. My son is a security guard and my daughter married a soldier. They have two children now," recounted Alfonso, with a mixture of pride and sadness.

"Anyone who doesn’t find work in Bogotá is just lazy. No matter what kind of work it is, at least you have a steady income. But here, you always lose," added his neighbour, Pablo Hernández.

This belief seems to be shared by the majority of the 130 students who graduate as agricultural technicians from José María Poitier technical high school every year and head for the grasslands of Bogotá.

"They get work on flower plantations, on big farms, and they never come back," instructor Jesús �?vila told IPS.

"Here there are no employment opportunities, no university, there’s too much poverty, and even if they wanted to grow crops here, there’s no way to profitably market them," he added. "We don’t have roads."

It takes three hours to travel the 90 km between Miraflores and Tunja. "And that’s now, after they paved the road and made the trip faster. It used to take five hours," said Hernández.

Students at the Poitier school need to spend eight hours travelling 190 km from Chita. "They get really tired of travelling back and forth, and so those who can just bring the rest of the family with them," commented �?vila.

"There are still a lot of after-effects of the violence," he added, prompting a group of women nearby to speak in whispers about the fear in which they lived. Some recalled cases of young men whom the leftwing guerrillas attempted to recruit, first with persuasion, then with threats. Others recalled the far-right paramilitaries who asked youngsters if they wanted to join them; if they said no, they were killed.

"They took them over there," said one woman, pointing to the heavily forested nearby hills.

The three municipalities in Colombia with the highest rates of mortality due to malnutrition are in Boyacá, and government programmes fall far short of combating the problem. In 2006, the Food Programme For Learning (whose acronym in Spanish, PAPA, is also the word for potato, one of the region’s main crops) covered 72 percent of schoolchildren between the ages of five and 15, according to government figures.

"From the helicopter we saw that beautiful province, so full of crops, in contrast with the drought and flooding last year," said President Uribe during his visit to the region in November, accompanied by Queen Silvia of Sweden.

"The minister (of agriculture) is designing mechanisms to support the farmers who were bankrupted by the low price of potatoes in 2006," Uribe added.

"They lend us money, which we have to pay back in any event, and who can guarantee that we will make any money?" remarked Alfonso.

Uribe also spoke about the agreement through which, "with Swedish technology and Chilean investment, a fuel alcohol plant will be installed in the municipality of Tuta, near the main highway, 30 minutes from Tunja."

It was announced in November that in Tuta, a major cattle farming and agricultural centre, 10,000 hectares of sugar beets will be planted to supply an ethanol distillery run by UK-based company ED & F Man

The distillery -- which will enjoy tax exemptions and other benefits by operating with free-zone status -- is to enter into operation in mid-2009, with an expected output of 300,000 litres of ethanol a day.

According to Uribe, it will generate significant revenues and provide 6,000 direct or indirect jobs while contributing to the production of clean energy.

But the president’s rosy predictions are questioned by Fonseca.

"There is no clear evidence of the benefits of this crop. On the contrary, there are doubts raised by the damage caused by monocultures on such large areas of land, as well as the potential contamination of this strategic corridor. And if only the campesinos could also be granted exemptions from taxes and interest on their loans as well," he said. (END/2008)

By analyzethis1 on Mar 18, 2008, 21:44 in Friendly Talkzone.

Robert Jorge says on Mar 18, 2008, 22:05:

Pretty interesting article. Thanks for sharing analyze.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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DodgerDogs says on Mar 18, 2008, 23:21:

Rubito: With Guerilla warfare do you think a railroad is wise ?

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

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Aaron21 says on Mar 18, 2008, 23:52:

A new "era" is beginning. It all depends on who is elected next in Colombia.

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Robert Jorge says on Mar 19, 2008, 00:20:

One of the first things that crossed my mind while I was reading the article was why nobody considers a rail system. Or maybe they have and it isn't deemed to be potentially profitable?

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Robert Jorge says on Mar 19, 2008, 00:41:

If there is a way to make a profit, eventually somebody will invest in the opportunity. The biggest expense would be running lines through the mountains. But there is no shortage of train lines in southern Germany, southeastern France, and other alpine areas of Europe. So it is definitely possible. Somebody just needs to put up a few billion dollars.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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lampltr says on Mar 19, 2008, 00:54:

Great article!! Good point with the rail system...Never went into my think skull about not seeing any trains (Central COL) when I was there a few months ago. Definately a viable source regardless of Gorillas or not. At least the president is trying to do something in regions to spur economic reforms. Believe as stated above, the government should broaden their assistance and add more reforms to assist campesinos. I believe looking at the big picture this is the biggest problem in CO leaving these farmers no choice but to accept immediate pay for growing Cocoa, a matter of survival. It is all difficult for sure.

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miamimike says on Mar 19, 2008, 03:21:

With soaring fuel prices here in the US, in coming years you will see Expanded Rail Travel coming back in the USA. This year Bookings are soaring and with no relief expected in coming years, the Rebirth of this Industry has nowhere to go but up. Way Up! Europe, who is proactive on this Industry(rail) is constantly adding new lines and faster more fuel effecient Drive units to their lines.Rubito you right on that statement, many competing Vested interests do not want expanded rail service here in the USA. Highway lobbyists, airline lobbyists ect.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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tomtom33 says on Mar 19, 2008, 05:17:

I am no expert on railroads. However, I have done a bit of lobbying work. If the economic case can be made for the rail service, it will get done in the US when practicable.

There seems to be so much crap on here about some big cabal pulling the strings to fuck the little guy or cover things up. Profit drives everything. And profit, believe it or not, can mean effectively serving the market. And that can mean reasonable treatment for most. Someone's ox will always be gored.

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Waterdawg says on Mar 19, 2008, 05:50:

If you can't compete in the Market place , you are replaced .. That is just the way it is ..

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billyb says on Mar 19, 2008, 06:25:

The problem with rail in Colombia is the fact that it is separated by 3 cordilleras, that make it unbelievably complicated and expensive to build tracks. That is why air traffic developed so quickly in Colombia in early part of the last century. The onl really viable rail routes would be ones running on a north-south axis along the river valleys. And I believe some of those are being rehabilitated.

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esanch36 says on Mar 19, 2008, 06:38:

Ethonol is the biggest crock of shit. It uses more energy, and cost more to make it.

All right, I'll ask: How come it took three seconds to euthanize Eight Belles, but the Womens NBA is starting Year 12???

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tomtom33 says on Mar 19, 2008, 07:53:

Billy, doesn't seismic activity cause problems as well?

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sloopskipper says on Mar 19, 2008, 08:22:

An interesting read, "How General Motors Deliberately Destroyed Public Transit", http://www.lovearth.net/gmdeliberatelydestroyed.htm

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static says on Mar 19, 2008, 09:52:

Rubito said: "You might also want to ask yourself, if agricultural subsidies are so good, why is it that the two countries with the most amount of them (Japan followed by the US) are two of the countries where food is the MOST expensive on Earth??"

I am very against agricultural subsidies, but have to correct you: in fact, food is very cheap in the US. It is nowhere near "the most expensive on Earth".

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azunoman says on Mar 19, 2008, 09:52:

Death of the family farm all over again, kids move away leaving not enough help to farm more than a couple acres. This can all be quickened by government ignoring that area as it concerns schools, taxes transportation etc. Land gets bought up by a large 'concern'. Then transportation improvements will be made allowing 'the man' to farm large area's at a profit.

With global warming, Colombia and much of S. America (given it will still rain there) will and are being spied on by 'the man'. :)))))

Ready, Fire, Aim

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static says on Mar 19, 2008, 09:59:

Rent a copy of "Who framed Roger Rabbit?" at once.

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Robert Jorge says on Mar 19, 2008, 10:56:

Rubi - you read my mind. (about being able to build a highway from Bogota to Villavicencio) From what I understand, before the bridge and tunnel were built, the old Bogota / Villvo route took 12 hours to drive. Now, it is 2.5 to 3 hours. I might have been conservative on the travel time on the old route. Kat1 can remember the old travel time better than me I am sure.

Seismic activity? It doesn't seem to stop the Japanese from having an extensive rail system.

Just a single line from Bucaramanga to Bogota, stopping at some pueblos in between, would solve the logistical problem of getting fresh food products from the farms to distribution points. Connect Bucaramanga to Cartagena or Bquilla, and you have the potential to distribute internationally.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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billyb says on Mar 19, 2008, 11:04:

Rubi, i didn't say you couldn't build them, jsut that they would be outregeously expensive.

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poco says on Mar 19, 2008, 15:08:

MM Quote: With soaring fuel prices here in the US, in coming years you will see Expanded Rail Travel coming back in the USA. This year Bookings are soaring and with no relief expected in coming years, the Rebirth of this Industry has nowhere to go but up. Way Up!

I'd agree, especially a long term view in the U.S. The fuel efficiency is 4 times BETTER than trucking to transport a ton of product. Not sure about the labor cost,,? Two men on a train vrs. what? 100 plus men driving trucks? Ooops, sorry, people.

I'd agree FARC seems on the way out but there are other forces at work.

Construction will NOT been practical until the government gains control over the rural areas. At a minimum the locals will extract a tax or destroy equipment and the Unions will make life miserable.

Where's the money to build rail infrastructure? Colombia is NOT Japan or France. I read that 200 tons of raw human waste PER DAY is dumped into the main tributary (Magdalena River) because more than half the towns and cites don't have sewage treatment. Think of western Colombia as being the same size as Texas with HUGE mountains and valleys.

Jeeps are the primary mode of transportation. When the people get off the jeep they WALK to their farm. In many areas a HORSE or BURRO can't handle the trip.

These locations can be many miles from a paved or dirt road and a rail will NEVER be anywhere close to practical. The best hope in many areas would be roads easily passable by busses (chivas) or trucks with connections to rail terminals.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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billyb says on Mar 19, 2008, 15:16:

I just read in Newsweek that it takes less of a carbon footprint to get a bottle of wine to anywhere in the US east of Chicago from France than it does from California, due to the fact that ships and trains use way less energy per pound to move freight than does a truck.

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poco says on Mar 19, 2008, 15:29:

Quote: "They are replacing milk for children with gasoline for cars," agronomist Fernando Fonseca commented to IPS.

Oh, my gosh !!!!! Children starving.

I usually don't finish reading articles when statements like this are noticed.

I do read them on PBH. The phenomenal amount of BS a person is required to read to determine if any factual data exists that is worth perusing is astounding.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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goin_south says on Mar 19, 2008, 22:50:

To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine - and those who don't.

As Ben Franklin said,
"In wine there is wisdom,
in beer there is freedom,
in water there is bacteria."

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated
that if we drink 1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have
absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) -- bacteria found in
feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.

However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer
(or tequila, rum...'marinero yerri', whiskey or other liquor)
because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling,
filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health. Therefore, it's better to drink
wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.

'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough

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poco says on Mar 19, 2008, 23:47:

Quote: Nor was Japan, they started with the bullet trains back in 1959.

Hummm, you know,, Japan has the highest NATIONAL DEBT of any country in the world. Their public debt is SIX times higher than the debt of the US,,,, yet,, they have less than HALF the population,, or, per person,, TWELVE times as much public debt.

I wonder if their GRAND CHILDREN will have enough money to ride the train?

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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goin_south says on Mar 19, 2008, 23:48:

in the boxcars, ... si!
tramps.

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poco says on Mar 20, 2008, 00:55:

Quote: Yeah well debt notwithstanding

Does this mean you don't think the horrible debt the U.S. shoulders is a big deal?

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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billyb says on Mar 20, 2008, 06:27:

Are we seeing a contradiction? jeje. If Japan's grandchildren won't be able to afford the bullet trains, then maybe Colombia's grandchildren could but it for pennies on the dollar from them if Rubi's predictions about the future come true.

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