Colombia's Farmers Could Call for Protests

Recent moves by Colombia's agricultural organizations suggest that major protests could occur during the country's presidential election season. Several leftist groups closely identified with agricultural and rural matters decided on March 17 to form a negotiating team to force concessions from the government. If the government does not meet their demands, they will begin nationwide protests in early May. Other farming collectives, such as coffee and rice farmers, could join in the demonstrations. These groups have the potential to merge into a nationwide protest movement similar to the one that blocked roads across Colombia in 2013, which would threaten to undermine Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos' chances for re-election.