Chavez has discussed the current food crisis on his weekly talk show Aló Presidente on Sunday and explained his government’s agricultural polices that have increased Venezuelan food production. He said that this year there is a food crisis in the world, but Venezuela is not going to fall into that crisis. According to him Venezuela is going to help other nations who are facing this crisis.
Chavez opined that the solution to the food crisis is for countries to produce more food for domestic needs, and the need to make Venezuela totally self-sufficient in its food supply. According to him Venezuelan food production has steadily increased in recent years, and President Chavez explained the policies that are responsible for the increases, including agricultural subsidies, credits, and technological assistance.
Chavez said that in order to increased domestic food supply there should be prohibition of the commercial fishing method of trawling, made illegal in the new Law of Fishing and Agriculture passed by the National Assembly in March. Chavez told that trawling is prohibited. It will not be permitted anymore in Venezuela. The law is right there, so let’s follow the law. He explained that the commercial fishing methods are hurting the ecosystem of the ocean and endangering marine life.
Chavez said that commercial fishing companies do not pay taxes in Venezuela and so the law prohibiting trawling has been approved. He informed that the new law gives commercial fishing companies a period of 12 months to convert over to other fishing methods. Chavez assured them that the government would aid them in making the transition.
