The second agrarian reform in simple steps

The second agrarian reform does not seek to redistribute or expropriate land, but rather – in the words of Eduardo Zegarra, chief of staff of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) – seeks to eliminate market distortions for a fair share of 2.2 million Peruvian farmers. Next, a review of the 9 axes of Government policy.

1. Food safety

“The second reform is a rethinking of policies. They are 30 years of total lack of protection (to family farming) ”, Zegarra said in Otra Mirada. This caused Peru to increase its dependence on imported subsidized food, which has depressed farming families who receive low prices for their labor. The specialist recalled that almost 50% of the agrarian population is in poverty.

For this, tariff measures are required – such as revising the price band – and ending unfair competition.

2. Cooperativism for better competition

The cooperatives that the Government will promote is based on the association of producers to negotiate better, reduce transport costs and obtain better prices for efficient commercial competition.

It is worth remembering that the Law for the Improvement of the Association of Agricultural Producers in Agricultural Cooperatives has already been enacted, which will facilitate the formalization of more than 350 thousand small farmers.

3. Improve irrigation

The owner of Midagri, Victor MaitaHe explained that they will guarantee access to water, given that “water security is essential for agriculture.” To do this, they will carry out technified irrigation systems, planting and water harvesting projects; in addition to building reservoirs, micro-reservoirs, water infrastructure and other actions to “achieve up to two harvests per agricultural season.”

4. Technical assistance

Through the Civil Service of Agrarian Graduates (Secigra Agro), Minister Maita explained that currently “there are only four members”, and his management seeks to increase “from 500 to 1,000 secigristas and thus be able to reach the communities.”

Maita emphasized that its officials and workers “have to leave their chairs and desks” and connect with the provinces.

“The participation of the university extension will be promoted. And for this the Secigra will be applied from the Midagri ”, he added.

5. Rural industrialization

Zegarra recalled that the promotion of industrialization will not happen overnight, since it requires sectoral coordination.

In addition, better roads and greater rural electrification are needed to generate transformation processes.

From Midagri they detailed that at this point they want to give greater added value and negotiation capacity to agriculture compared to the industry.

6. State purchases from agriculture

Weeks ago, Minister Víctor Maita announced that his management “will turn the men of the field into providers of the State.”

Along these lines, he recalled that the Law of State Purchases of Foods of origin in family agriculture was already regulated, which allows State entities and programs to acquire up to 30% of products from rural families.

The soup kitchens and common pots will also buy from the farm. Therefore, Maita plans to exceed the current 30% of the volume of food purchases from farming families.

7. Repopulation of livestock

A few days ago, Midagri reported that they will inject S / 79 million – in line with what was announced in the officialization of the second agrarian reform – in eight high Andean regions so that 35 thousand cattle families can access genetic improvement plans, pasture modules and mobile roosts, in a period of 36 months.

8. Intersectoral work

In the Rural Development Cabinet, which is being gestated by President Pedro Castillo, important decisions will be taken, “especially budgetary” for a correct focus of resources, Zegarra commented.

This exclusively inter-ministerial working group is different from the Multisectoral Working Commission, where unions and civil society are present. In the latter, the Midagri representative explained that the information will be systematized to turn it into an enrichment of proposals.

“Neoliberal governments have not wanted to face market failures based on agro-export (…) We have nothing against that, but unfortunately they depress the income of the small producers that feed us. We want the court even, “he added.

9. Agricultural Development Bank

The President Castillo He emphasized that through the Agrarian Development Bank, producers will access loans with favorable conditions. This would occur on the basis of Agrobanco, Cofide and the Banco de la Nación. And the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) announced that they will support with a credit line of S / 600 million via AgroPerú and support for FAE-Agro.