Delegation to Venezuela: Food Sovereignty, Human Rights, and Community Power

(July 16 to 26, 2012)

We will examine issues of land reform, urban agriculture, rural development, fishing rights, and food sovereignty within a dynamic political context. Venezuela is an outstanding example of a country that strives to ensure its citizens’ right to food while bolstering its domestic agriculture sector, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture. We will also explore other areas of social transformation, including education, healthcare, and direct citizen participation in the political process. Plus trips to beaches, parks, and other sites of interest.

When: July 16 to 26, 2012

Tentative Itinerary. Start and end in Caracas; visits to the states of Portuguesa, Barinas, Yaracuy, and the Amazon.

Day 1: Caracas – Arrival; orientation/welcome; visits to social programs and discussions with community leaders and local authorities.


Day 2: Visits to urban agriculture sites and other community initiatives in different communities in Caracas, including 23 de Enero, El Valle, and Petare.


Days 3 and 4: Visits to rural areas in the states of Yaracuy and Barinas: learn about agrarian reform and agroecology through visits to agricultural cooperatives, biological control laboratories, food processing coops, and agricultural education programs.


Days 5 and 6: Visits to indigenous communities and agroecology projects in the Amazon (pending confirmation).


Days 7 and 8: Visit to the Afro-Venezuelan coastal community of Chuao, known for producing some of the world’s best cocoa; learn about artisanal cacao production as well as artisanal fishing and Venezuela’s progressive fishing laws; enjoy beautiful beaches.


Day 9: Caracas: free day for sight seeing, getting souvenirs, etc.


Day 10: departure.

Cost for Activities: $1100. This will cover all lodging, all ground transportation, 2 meals per day, qualified trip leaders, and Spanish-English interpretation. Additional expenses during the trip will be minimal.
 Airfare not included.

To Learn more and hold a spot for either trip, email cbalbertolovera@gmail. com. Please be in touch as soon as possible, as space for both trips is very limited. Please allow several days for responses.

Sponsored by the Alberto Lovera Bolivarian Circle of NY.

Check out these articles from past delegations:

 http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2008/magdoff040208.html

 http://monthlyreview.org/090824shiavoni-camacaro.php

For additional information, see:  http://wp.me/puMTZ-6V