Protest at petrol stations: "Agrofuels create poverty and hunger"

A SEED / Aktionsbuendnis , 18.05.2008 16:16

Bonn, Sunday May 18 - Around 60 people have been protesting in Bonn against the large scale production of agrofuels. At two petrol stations car drivers had to make a choice: 'petrol' to the right, 'food' to the left. Banners were stating "agrofuels, no solution for oil addiction."

drivers have to choose

puppets against agrofuels

fuel to the right, food to the left

Agrofuel - no solution against oil adiction

Nowadays the media are frequently reporting about the negative impacts of the use of crops for energy production. But so far the honest conclusion that we have to change our lifestyle and overconsumption of resources and energy is ignored by the same media and policy makers. In global capitalism a small minority exploits 80 per cent of the global resources.
Most drivers had some sympathy for the action but wanted to fill up petrol anyway this time. They had to for example to go to a football match. What can you do?

The worker in the Shell station was furious about the counter information in front of her petrol station and called the police. After some discussions the action was allowed, although drivers had to be given more possibilities to go around the 'gate of choice'.
At the BFT station everything stayed very relaxed.

Amongst the activists were many people from Via Campesina, the international network of small farmers. For them and the millions they represent, the large scale introduction of agrofuels is a direct danger for their livelihood and life. You can read more arguments against the overconsumption of energy and agrofuels in the text of the brochure that has been distributed to the passers-by.

After two hours the group started to move again for a short demonstration ending on a field with a picnic with healthy and local food, as it is still possible.

text flyer translated into english ., 18.05.2008 05:02 Agrofuels are no solution for the climate and energy problem! Action against biofuel and high energy consumption! Food - Petrol Hereby we want to draw your attention to the problems and consequences of the introduction of agrofuels. The cultivation of biofuels forms a direct competiton to food production. You, as a driver, have to choose between food or petrol, as there is only 1,8 ha agricultural land available for each human being on earth. You have the choice between: a) Petrol: You tank but you get a negativ voucher which states how much less food you can consume the coming days. b) Food: You receive something to eat and your car leaves without petrol. The reason for the action This week COP 9 is taking place in Bonn. The participants will debate on issues related to biodiversity and genetic resources. It concerns marine biodiversity, agrofuels, genetically motified plants, protected areas and the rights of indigenous people. However, biodiversity is also related to agriculture: ernormous areas are taken over by agricultural land, and large scale agriculture, as well as genetically modified monocultural plantations, are increasing. This is practically the opposite of biodiversity. The situation regarding agrofuels in Gemany and the EU In Germany regular petrol is currently mixed with 3 % Biodiesel / Bioethanol. The German government aims to reach a percentage of 6,75, although the EU imposes only 5,75%. Instead of promoting energy saving cars, the German government is supporting the production of big energy wasting cars. Unsuprisingly ernergy imports become a necessity. Recently at a meeting with his Brasilian (now resigned) collegue Marina Silva, the Minister of Environment Sigmar Gabriel announced a bilateral agreement to be signed in May 2008. This would enable Brasil to export ethanol to Germany, under the condition of sustainability. Social and ecological consequences of agrofuels (three out of many) 1.Agrofuels are competing with food: The current food crisis is telling. Within a few month, the price of rice has increased with about 100 % and the price of grains by 130 % in 2007. One of the effects being food riots in many countries. 2.Large scale production of agrofuels is not environmentally friendly at all: as it extends monocultural cultivation, the use of human and environmentally polluting pesticides, the over-use of the soil, the loss of biodiversity and the use of genetic modification. 3.Small scale farmers loose their land and resources: as large scale agriculture is led by a relatively small number of large scale farmers and foreign companies. With small scale agriculture 40 families could sustain their livelihoods on a surface of 200 hectares. Large scale soja production, however, only needs one labourer for the same acreage. The World Bank, the International Monitary Fund and governments have been pushing the liberalization of the agricultural sector during the past decades. As a consequence, food became a speculative good and profits of food companies and investors have increased enormously. Rich people can afford paying high prices for driving a car or flying, whereas poor people can not even pay for their daily bread any longer. This is unethical! We demand: Food sovereignity, as well as the right for local communities to protect their food production, and to decide on their land use. Our request to you! These problems can not (only) be solved by the politicians at COP9. We have to change our energy consumption. Especially in 'western industrialised' countries, as here the consumption level has been high for decades. It's time to face the mirror and reduce your own energy consumption drastically. For more information:  http://biotech.indymedia.org (background information and reports on the debate in bonn)  http://www.aseed.net/soy –  http://www.regenwald.org –  http://www.lasojamata.org

more pictures ., 20.05.2008 12:38 impression of the action preparation agrofuel - no cure for oil addiction food or petrol - your choice (petrol station 2) food or petrol - your choice (petrol station 2) agrofuel puppet agrofuel no cure food to choose discussion with drivers samba in demo two peasant flags

More photos Noisette, 25.05.2008 06:21 Hello I published on my website a short reportage of the action against agrofuel in Bonn. You could see it there :  http://www.lairederien.net/spip.php?article805 CNoisette