A groundbreaking initiative is underway in Venezuela as the Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (MST) from Brazil collaborates with local peasants to enhance food production. Announced by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in September 2024, the Pátria Grande do Sul project aims to cultivate 180,000 hectares of land in Vergareña, Bolívar. This endeavor seeks not only to provide nutritious food for the population but also to achieve food sovereignty amid economic challenges. The project leverages agroecological methods and involves political and technical training, emphasizing communal self-management and sustainability. With support from the Venezuelan government and Chinese agricultural machinery, this effort represents a significant shift towards reducing dependency on imports and fostering local resilience.
The Pátria Grande do Sul project marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s quest for food security. Following years of reliance on imports—up to 85% prior to U.S. sanctions—the country faced severe shortages when external supplies dwindled. To address this crisis, the Venezuelan administration partnered with the MST, renowned for its expertise in organizing landless families and promoting sustainable agriculture. The project focuses on cultivating essential crops such as beans, fruit, sugar cane, and yams, alongside raising livestock like chickens, pigs, and cattle. Moreover, it includes creating a repository of native seeds and establishing reforestation nurseries.
Central to the initiative is the application of agroecology principles, which prioritize soil preservation and biodiversity without relying on chemical pesticides. According to Rosana Fernandes, coordinator of the MST brigade in Venezuela, this approach transforms social dynamics while addressing environmental concerns. Agroecology challenges conventional capitalist models and fosters healthier interpersonal relationships rooted in solidarity. However, transitioning producers accustomed to industrial farming practices presents a significant hurdle. Gessica Lima dos Santos, an agroecology technician involved in the project, acknowledges the difficulty of shifting mindsets entrenched in decades of conventional agriculture.
In addition to technical aspects, the project integrates educational components vital for long-term success. A school dedicated to political education and agroecology will train participants in seed production and sustainable practices. Furthermore, infrastructure development accommodates approximately 300 families within the camp, complete with residential units, recreational spaces, and areas designated for collective decision-making. Strategic proximity to military structures ensures logistical efficiency, facilitating access to necessary equipment and resources.
While the MST spearheads the initial stages, eventual oversight will transition to Unión Comunera, a Venezuelan organization adept at mobilizing local communities. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to empowering grassroots movements and strengthening communal governance. By blending Brazilian agroecological expertise with Venezuelan organizational capabilities, the project exemplifies international solidarity in action. As stated by Gessica Lima, the ultimate goal transcends mere production—it envisions constructing a society grounded in emancipatory ideals and collective empowerment.
This transformative venture symbolizes Venezuela’s strategic pivot toward self-sufficiency amidst global uncertainties. By harnessing agroecological techniques and fostering communal participation, the Pátria Grande do Sul project lays the foundation for a resilient agricultural system. It embodies a vision where healthy ecosystems coexist with equitable human relations, paving the way for sustainable development and regional autonomy. Through collaboration and innovation, Venezuela and Brazil are setting a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.