Colombia (Boyacá): "Potato producers are bankrupt"

During his presidential inauguration speech, President Abelardo de la Espriella dedicated a central chapter to agriculture under the premise that "the countryside has not failed, it has been abandoned."

The president assured that his government will seek to transform Colombian agriculture into an engine of business and economic growth, with measures aimed at strengthening access to credit, improving rural infrastructure and increasing agricultural productivity.

In response to these announcements, producers in Boyacá hope that the promises will translate into concrete actions to address the difficulties currently facing farmers.

Javier Ramírez Silva, a potato farmer from the province of Sugamuxi, pointed out that the sector has been facing high production costs, low  prices and a lack of institutional support.

“This government that just ended was truly disastrous and abandoned the farmers. There was practically zero credit and zero support,” the producer stated.

Ramírez explained that producing a load of potatoes currently can cost around 100,000 pesos, while the market price is between 160,000 and 180,000 pesos, a situation that, he indicated, does not guarantee profitability for farmers.

“The reality is that we farmers are bankrupt. As time has gone on, the losses have only increased. Right now, I think potatoes have a relatively normal price, but it’s a normal price that still represents losses for producers,” he said.

The farmer also drew attention to the situation of the dairy sector in municipalities like Pesca and Tota. He explained that the price producers receive has decreased, and in some remote areas, a liter of milk can fetch as little as 1,200 pesos.

Given this situation, the call to the new Government is to prioritize the needs of rural communities and facilitate access to financing with better conditions.

“Our request as farmers to the new government is that it focus its vision on the countryside and pay attention to the farmers. Such a productive region needs access to low-interest loans,” he stated.

The producer also called for strengthening irrigation systems, improving the equipment used by farmers, and establishing subsidy or support mechanisms to reduce the impact of losses.

“We sincerely ask the new government to focus on the countryside and provide greater benefits for farmers,” he added.