A tense situation would loom in the north of the country in the coming days, as mentioned by a spokesperson for the farmers of Catatumbo as a result of the excessive entry of a smuggled product that would be seriously affecting the economy of the region’s farmers.
On the Caracol Radio station, one of the farmers’ spokespersons indicated that due to the entry of red onions, farmers are evaluating taking drastic measures so that the Government intervenes.
“At the borders there is no strict control of onion smuggling and that is filling the squares where the farmers of this region sell their products”
According to the peasant spokesperson, the economic impacts being suffered in the Catatumbo region would be leading them to analyze a strike that would tentatively begin on January 15, becoming the first strike of a union in 2024.
“If the coca growers, palm growers, rice growers and baby food growers make protests, now it’s our turn, because we can’t take it anymore.”
Although the announcement has not been confirmed by the entire peasant union, the national government has been asked to pay more attention to the situation reported by farmers in Norte de Santander.
The infiltration of excessive quantities of smuggled red onion into Catatumbo represents a threat to farmers in the region who are dedicated to its cultivation. This situation generates unfair competition, given that illegal onions are offered at reduced prices that undermine the competitive capacity of legal production, which is subject to tax burdens and compliance with regulations.
The saturation of the market with contraband product can result in a notable decrease in the price of red onion, damaging the economy of farmers dependent on this activity. This means that producers face the risk of not being able to sell their merchandise or having to sell it at costs that do not reflect the investment made. Likewise, this pressure can discourage production, since farmers could be forced to cut back on their crops or even give up onion planting, which would have negative consequences on the economy and local food security.
Added to this is that smuggled products often escape quality and health controls, endangering the health of consumers by not meeting adequate standards.
In response to these challenges, it is of utmost importance that the relevant authorities act to stop smuggling and provide protection to the farmers of Catatumbo, thus ensuring fair business practices and the health of consumers.
Measures for the agricultural sector in 2024
The Government of Colombia has allocated a record figure of 9.1 billion pesos for the agricultural sector by 2024, in order to support farmers and strengthen national agriculture. This investment, the largest compared to previous years, will focus on the acquisition of land and promoting rural reform, fulfilling a promise made by President Gustavo Petro. Additionally, up to 26 billion pesos in credits will be granted through the Agrarian Bank and Finagro so that farmers face challenges such as the El Niño phenomenon and improve their production. Infrastructure for food processing will also be created, thus directly benefiting producers.
Special financial measures have been stipulated for small producers and vulnerable populations, with lines of credit at low interest rates, which seek to transform and optimize agricultural practices, protect the environment and promote social inclusion. The Rural Capitalization Incentive will offer significant reductions in farmers’ debts when requesting loans for agricultural projects. With this new policy, the Government aims to develop Colombia’s potential in food production and benefit a wide range of actors in the field. With Infobae