[11/23/06] Decree Signed to Expropriate Site from Syngenta!

November 23, 2006

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Via Campesina Occupation of Syngenta,

A truly historic moment is upon us: On November 9 Roberto Requião, Governor of the State of Paraná, signed a decree to expropriate the test site of the Syngenta corporation in Brazil, located in Santa Tereza do Oeste, for the public interest! This decision is unprecedented in Brazil and Latin America (indeed, possibly the world), as never before has any state or federal government in the region decided to expropriate land from a major multinational agribusiness corporation. This is a major victory in the global struggle against the hegemony of agribusiness.

While Requião’s decree to expropriate the site from Syngenta is first and foremost a result of the strength and resolve of the Via Campesina and the social movements, it is also the result of the international campaign to support the occupation, for which you all have provided immeasurable support. Requião’s act is proof of the growing power of the social movements, and highlights the potential and importance of international solidarity campaigns to support their struggles. The Via Campesina and Terra de Direitos thank you for your solidarity and support.

Requião decided to expropriate the site from Syngenta after an eight-month, non-violent occupation of the site by the Via Campesina, which occupied the site on March 14th after the federal government confirmed Syngenta had illegally planted 12 hectares of genetically-modified soybeans there. The corporation’s criminal activity resulted in a fine of US $465,000 by the federal environmental agency, which Syngenta still has not paid. Syngenta is a Swiss multinational agribusiness corporation that earned US $8.1 billion in 2005.

Requião’s legal recourse to expropriate the site from Syngenta is based in the Brazilian constitution, which gives Brazilian states sovereignty to natural areas and the environment, to combat pollution of whatever form, and to preserve the forests, fauna and flora. Requião intends to turn the site into a center for agroecological research and education for landless, rural workers and small farmers.

However, there is no doubt that Syngenta will fight this decision in the federal courts. Indeed, the battle is far from over. Terra de Direitos is preparing to for the next phase of the international campaign to support Requião in the battle with Syngenta. WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! We ask that you please heed our urgent action requests and always spread the word about Syngenta!

Another World is Possible….and Today that World is Palpable!

In Solidarity,
International Campaign to Support the Expropriation of Syngenta
Terra de Direitos
Curitiba, Brazil

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SEE ALSO:
[11/15/06] Parana’s Government reclaims land from Syngenta

Syngenta was condemned for having an illegal GMO plantation in the state, something that is illegal in their home country of Switzerland, and a centre for agro-ecological studies will now be built in its place.

by Luís Brasilino, editorial staff of Brasil de Fato

The governor of Parana, Roberto Requiao, signed a decree yesterday confirming the repossession of a 300-hectare area from Syngenta in Santa Teresa Do Oeste (in the west of Parana). In March, 600 members of ‘Via Campesina’ occupied the land to highlight the breaking of federal and state laws by the Swiss multinational producer of genetically modified seeds and agrochemicals.

The company, one of the world’s largest seed producers, was conducting experiments with genetically modified maize and soya in the protected neighbouring zone of the Iguacu National Park.

This is a huge crime against bio-security, therefore presenting a risk of genetic contamination. Furthermore, the Iguacu park was recognised, in 1986, as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

“(The punishment) is one of the greatest victories in the defence of biodiversity in the world