Industrial Biofuels: Bad for the Environment, Worse for Workers

With U.S. President Bush and Brazilian President Lula meeting to discuss tapping Brazil's supply for the growing U.S. demand for ethanol, Saulo Araujo takes a look at what the expansion of industrial biofuel production will mean for workers rights--abuse and virtual slavery--food sovereignty--less land for food, more for cash crops--and the environment--tapping already over-used water resources in the interior of Brazil.

Why does big business love biofuel? Find out here.

The Price of Corn and Human Rights: Reports from Mexico

Two close Grassroots International advisors, Marie Kennedy and Chris Tilly, are on the ground in Mexico. We are excited to be able to bring you this series of occasional reports on human rights and sustainable livelihoods, beginning with a piece on the price of corn--and what it's doing to small farmers--and another on the difference between written laws and real justice in the cities and countryside of Mexico.

Explore the connection between economics, human rights and power in Mexico.

Family Farmers Submit Farm Bill Plan To House Agriculture Subcommittee Calling for Changing Course on U.S. Farm Policy

The American Corn Growers Association (ACGA), a member of the National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC), asked Congress to rethink U.S. agriculture policy and change course to secure the livelihoods of farmers, not only in the U.S., but globally as well.

“We need farm policy that provides a price to farm families rather than subsidies, an adequate strategic reserve of storable food and feed commodities and a way to curb overproduction of crops traditionally in surplus so that we can plant new dedicated energy producing crops to help the nation move toward energy independence,” explained Larry Mitchell, Chief Executive of ACGA as he testified before Chairman Bob Etheridge, D-N.C., Ranking Member Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and members of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Learn more about how U.S. farm policy can help family farmers in the U.S. and around the world.

Take Action: April 17, International Day of Peasant Struggle

In 2005, the Via Campesina (an international peasant movement) declared April 17 to be the International Day of Peasant Struggle.

This year they have planned a series of mobilizations to promote genuine agrarian reform, fair trade and an end to the violent repression of peasants everywhere.

Let’s globalize the struggle, let’s globalize hope!

Answer the Via Campesina's call and support the small farmers and harvesters of the world.

How You Can Help Build the Global Movement for Social Justice

Grassroots International is proud of our work strenghtening local, national and international movements for social change, supporting sustainable livelihoods and defending the human rights of social change activists.

It's only possible with your help.

Help us end hunger and build community with your online donation.