Agricultural strikes and negotiations between the Colombian government and the Farmers’ and People’s Ethnic and Agricultural Summit (CACEP, from its Spanish acronym) (2013-2015)

Abstract

This article provides a reflection on the background of the agricultural strikes of 2013 and 2014 and the process of negotiation between the Colombian government and farmers’ organizations, considering an interpretation of the social issues in the rural areas in Colombia, the conditions that made it possible to bring together the organizational platforms involved with these mobilizations, the methodology employed for building the national list of demands, and the government policy in response to the strikes and the list of demands. From a methodological point of view, the sources of documentation were the publications of a number of researchers of agricultural issues with great recognition and experience in Colombia, reports appearing in the most important newspapers and magazines with national circulation, specialized portals, and statements of organizations posted on alternative media during the time period from the date of the 2013 Coffee Growers’ Strike to the end of 2015. It was found that the execution of the National Development Plan benefits projects that drive the mining-energy production industry, foreign ownership of land, allocation of wasteland to business owners, installation of agroindustrial complexes, importation of foods, and the continuation of militarization and war, all of which prevent envisioning a solution for the problems of the farming industry in Colombia. It concludes that there is a need to focus Colombian public rural policies on improving the quality of life of rural communities.