The new space called "Liberation," in collaboration with the Sovereign Food Cooperative (ECAS), launched an action called yerbatazo on February 28 as a direct response to the crisis faced by producers and tareferos in Misiones. During this initiative, 10,000 kilos of yerba mate will be sold at $1,000 per kilo, aiming to demonstrate the resilience of producers in light of the lack of media attention to their situation.
Carlos Enrique Biechteler, who leads the cooperative El Colono, expressed the difficulties faced by producers due to the lack of proper price fixing compared to large companies. He highlighted the need to reach a consensus on prices, especially favoring small producers to ensure a decent livelihood.
Jonas Peterson, former president of INYM, pointed out the firmness of the mobilization of the yerbateros, who are camping and have organized protests to demand a fair price that protects workers and allows for the recovery of investments in the sector. Additionally, they are demanding regulation of imports and the implementation of a program for the production and marketing of yerba mate.
The lack of protection caused by decree 70/23 has left more than 13,500 producers and 15,000 families vulnerable, prompting producers to protest for concrete solutions. Producers trust that the pressure exerted will lead the industry to make more favorable offers for the sector at some point.
The sale of yerba mate packages at $1,000 per kilo, which was initially planned to take place in Congress, had to be postponed due to weather conditions and is rescheduled for next Friday. According to sources from ECAS, the initiative will extend until March 2 at various strategic points in Almagro, Villa Crespo, Monte Grande, and San Justo (La Matanza), with the purpose of highlighting the importance of the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM) in the fair regulation of prices for workers and producers in the sector.
