Paraguay is the fastest growing soybean producer in the world bringing untold riches to a very poor and corrupt country. The bean fields stretch far into the distance, consuming the horizon with waves of green leaves and a stink like dead animals from toxic agro-chemicals.
An interesting/depressing side note
Published August 19, 2007
An interesting/depressing side note to the last post I forgot to mention. After Lugo left the local press swarmed me to ask why Americans are interested in Lugo. I said he was a compelling character and Americans are interested in a more lefty South America. I was then asked how Americans feel about supporting past regimes who persecuted South American liberals. I said most Americans don't know about it, but those who do are embarrassed. I hope I am correct.
Edit (8/20/07): seems both the major papers ran a story on my interviews with Lugo (no permalink, but for now they are here and here). They both quoted my suggestion that Lugo doesn't have an air of corruption. There is a genuine thirst for more political transparency here so I'm happy they lead with that.
Project
Food insecurity can result from climate change, urban development, population growth and oil price shifts that are interconnected and rarely confined by borders. It’s an issue of global importance,...
Soybeans, rows and rows of soybeans all around. In western Paraguay the fields that were once thick rain forests are now soybean plantations.
Gateways
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Grantee
Charles Lane is a freelance radio and print reporter. He has worked for National Public Radio, Voice of America, Penthouse Magazine, and the Religion News Service. His fourth radio documentary...
