MST Statement in Memoriam of John Kinsman: Family Farm Defender

The Friends of the MST is saddened to report the death of John Kinsman on January 20, 2014 at the age of 87.  John was a founder and president of the Family Farm Defenders, a member organization of La Via Campesina. John, a fourth generation family farmer, operated a dairy farm near Lime Ridge, Wisconsin. John was a farmer activist, leading protests against the destruction of farming and our food supply by agribusiness and a proponent of the Principles of Food Sovereignty. He was also an active supporter of the MST, having visited Brazil several times as well having hosted MST militantes in his Wisconsin community. 

The MST National Coordination issued the following statement on learning of John’s death:

Comrades of Family Farm Defenders,

The Landless Workers Movement of Brazil (MST) wants to express our deepest sympathy for the death of our comrade John Kinsman.

John was an example of the peasant resistance and someone who defended agroecological production. He was a tireless militant for the unity of peasant movements, without compromising his production of health foods.   

Everything we learned with John will live with the MST. His memory reinforces our commitment to a peasant-led agriculture and a new society. Our thank you to John.  

From the MST family, receive a big hug and our solidarity to John’s family and Family Farm Defenders.

JOHN KINSMAN!
PRESENT! PRESENT! PRESENT!

            Janaina Stronzake              João Pedro Stedile

                    National Coordination of MST     

For more information on John, visit the Family Farm Defenders' website.