Argentine farmers in food strike

Run time: 01:48 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbENFVtBVOI   Posted on YouTube: March 21, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: March 21, 2009 By DU Member: Joanne98 Views on DU: 479

 

There are farmer's strikes going on around the world mostly against globalization and unfair trade agreements but this is the only one that smacks of corporate sponsorship. This group of farmers are apparently pro-globalization and anti-taxes which stands out because they're the only ones who are taking this position. That I can find anyway. I'd like to know more about the owners of these farms. (media hint hint) I thought I saw a few USA looking types in there.

But there are also smaller farmer unions, too protesting about huge government taxation. I honestly find it a bit difficult to cheer for either the government or the farmers in these protests. Most citizens feel that the government's high taxation would be fine except there is a lot of evidence of corruption and wasting of government funds; at the same time food prices are skyrocketing. Somewhere along the line, money is being hemorrhaged. However, the biggest ag industries are easily the worst villains in this picture, and many are tied to Monsanto too.

At any rate, this is all the norm in Argentina and when I was living there there were large protests on the Casa Rosada at least every other month.

I think the best move for Cristina would be to somehow distinguish small independent farmers from the huge corporate conglomerates and tax them differently; right now the biggest complaints come from the huge taxes on exports.

We have the same problem. If Cristina figures out a way to separate them I hope she lets us know. lol

I will say, however, that living there and witnessing these large protests against government policies was inspiring. That is a country where the government is afraid of its people, not vice versa!

But no, I'm not cheering for big ag in Argentina but it would be nice for the government to be more receptive and creative dealing with this as it's been a problem for many years, shows no signs of abating, and with the peso dropping like a rock which means reduced buying power for the people combined with skyrocketing food prices, this situation could quickly go sour. And then the world will be reminded again of what food riots are like. :evilfrown:

Looks like a Monsanto sponsored video. Which makes my point.

Watch biotech farmer Juan Avellaneda discuss the advantages of GMO food in Argentina. The Conversations About Plant Biotechnology Web site offers video discussions with farmers and experts from around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V6E_Voi_XI&feature=related

He's probably sending out his farm hands to protest taxes.

they are still messed up