Agricultural leaders from three Colombian states say they are returning to the negotiating table with the government in hopes of addressing the issues that led to major strikes across Colombia in August and September.
Representatives from La Mesa Sectorial de Dignidad Agropecuaria from the states of Boyaca, Cundinamarca and Nariño will on Wednesday resume talks that stalled two weeks ago.
MORE: Colombia farmers suspend talks with government, threaten new strikes
Farm groups say the government’s recent purchase of potatoes as a concession did not address Colombia’s ongoing issues.
MORE: Colombia’s farmers end strike after govt potato purchase but remain unsatisfied
Cesar Pachon, from farmer’s group Dignidad Papera (Dignity for Potato-growers) described the agenda to Colombian radio “We’re going back to the negotiating table on Wednesday to address the issues of foreign trade and import safeguards. And next week we will work on aspects of cereals and environment.”
The stop-start talks have been going on since the agricultural strikes in August and September that saw tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets. Five farmers were killed in clashes with police and 485 people were reportedly injured.
Four farmers also disappeared during the protests.
(From left to right) Nariño, Cudinamarca and Boyaca
Sources
Líderes campesinos de Boyacá, Cundinamarca y Nariño vuelven a la mesa de negociación (W Radio)