[04/22/06] Land Reform - Struggle of the Countryside, Struggle of the City

Land Reform not only benefits the Landless, it brings development to entire regions where settlements are established. Replacing the large unproductive estates, hundreds of working families plow the soil in order to harvest crops and bring them to local markets. Along with the increase in food available in the region, the entire economy is stimulated by the activity of these families and those who work with them.

To demonstrate that Land Reform is not only an issue of importance for the MST, close to 2,000 people gathered in Coqueiros do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, for a public solidarity rally on April 21st.

Demonstrators manifested their support for the expropriation of Fazenda Guerra, an unproductive estate comprised of over 7,000 hectares. Occupied by the MST in February of this year, Fazenda Guerra could provide sufficient land for close to 420 families. Also, a settlement project in the region could generate a great deal of job opportunity, stimulate the local economy, and produce staple crops that would surely end up on the plates of citizens of the surrounding area. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reports that 86% of jobs in the countryside are generated by small farmers. For this reason demonstrators defended Land Reform as an instrument for resolving the problems of the Brazilian people – from the countryside to the cities.

Demonstrators included those in solidarity with the encampment of Fazenda Guerra, local union members and activists, the mayor of Coqueiros do Sul, religious figures and other representatives of the local government.

By: Gissela Mate