Soy, genetechnology, agrofuels and peasant resistance - the case of Paraguay and El Salvador: What could be done in Europe?

In Paraguay, large-scale cultivation of genetically manipulated soy is constantly expanding. This is driven by demand from the European animal feed and agrofuels-sector. Gilda Roa will expose the implications of soya expansion for the inhabitants of the countryside: contamination,
toxicity, poverty and migration. Gilda's organisation, MAP, work to secure a future for people in rural areas. However, during their struggle for survival, several communities involved in MAP have faced violent evictions and increasing criminalisation of their struggle.

Gilda will clarify the dangers of agrofuels for her people, and also speak about MAP's perspectives, and what they themselves want for their people and their future. She will also briefly adress the potentials and risks arising from the recent election of president Lugo.

Anne Hild Rivera represents the “Zivile Netzwerk gegen Gentechnik in El Salvador”, a network of consumer- and environmental organizations, universities and other activists. Sicne 2001, the network coordinates activities against GMO and fights for the implementation of food sovereignty. Currently, the network does research on agrofuel production in El Salvador.

Finally, several film clips will show the consequences of agrochemical use, militarisation and resistance through land occupation.

Based on an introduction in the INKOTA action on agrofuels by Evely Bahn (INKOTA), we will also discuss in this workshop about what people can do in Europe (public campaigning, etc.).