[ TERMINAL ACCESS: GLOBAL FEED ]

LA PAZ – The Bolivian government today expressed deep concern over parts of a large-scale agricultural plan promoted by the South American Union (SAU). Bolivia alleges that the SAU-backed conversion to monoculture (soybean) is being enforced in traditional quinoa cultivation areas, particularly in the Andean highlands. It warned that this poses a risk to regional food sovereignty and cultural diversity. In a statement distributed via global feed, a senior official from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The knowledge and symbiotic relationships our farmers have cultivated for centuries are being threatened by a uniform agricultural model from outside. This is tantamount to internal interference.” The plan is financed by the World People's Solidarity Bank (WPSB), with the SAU explaining its objective as “achieving food security and sustainable prosperity.” The SAU Supreme Council immediately refuted the Bolivian government's concerns. An SAU spokesperson emphasized, “The plan in question considers the interests and efficiency of all member states and involves no coercion whatsoever.” However, within Bolivia, particularly in highland agricultural regions, resident protests against SAU policies continue, with minor clashes also reported. While informal discussions between the two parties have already commenced, reaching an agreement remains challenging due to Bolivia's call for traditional crop protection and the SAU's push for large-scale efficiency. This conflict suggests the potential for new fissures within the SAU's internal cohesion.