AMERICA/MEXICO - Food crisis: “what causes most regret and scandal is the knowledge that the problem does not come from the insufficiency of the earth’s food production, but the lack of equal distribution.”

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The food crisis that is affecting the world has had a heavy influence on Mexico, which although it is an agricultural producer, has increased its dependence on the United States market in recent years, placing large parts of the population at risk. In light of the crisis, several of the country’s Bishops have expressed their concern on the lack of solidarity with those who have less and the need to eliminate corruption, so that food supplies may be better distributed in Mexico.
“How should we behave as Catholics, in facing a problem that influences our poor brethren, who day after day find it harder to bring a bare minimum of food home?,” asked Bishop Lazaro Perez Jimenez of Celaya in his message entitled, “Give them something to eat yourselves.” The Bishop says that “the hunger problem has always existed and it is evident how it has threatened entire nations of the earth over the course of history,” but what causes deep regret and scandal “is the knowledge that the problem does not come from the insufficiency of the earth’s food production, but the lack of equal distribution and the fierce attitude of those who take advantage of circumstances in order to hoard basic food supplies and increase their cost.” What also causes alarm is the knowledge that, according to specialists, this could be merely the beginning of a long process that could last up to ten years and “hit countries that are already afflicted by social marginalization.” Facing this situation, the Bishop considers it an authentic scandal that “millions of dollars continue to be invested in the production of arms made for killing, while in the meantime, a third of the planet lacks the bare minimum to be able to live a dignified life,” and he concludes his message by expressing his hope that each day there may be a greater “number of men and women who wish to participate in the noble service of providing food to those who have none.”
Archbishop Chavez Botello of Antequera-Oaxaca says that “this crisis makes us turn our gaze to the rural populations and farmers, to correct the grave errors that have been committed for decades due to the politicization, social irresponsibility, corruption, ineffective application of programs, and the ambitions of many.” Thus, “there is an urgent need to apply well-supported programs, for policies that provide for rural workers and the production of food products with sufficient aid. There is an urgent need to inform and create awareness among the public of the true causes and consequences of this crisis that, according to analysts, will last years,” The Archbishop of Antequera-Oaxaca insisted. He also emphasized the role of Catholics and their responsibility, as “the commandment of love should lead us to support programs and serious measures that fight poverty.”
Archbishop Felipe Aguirre Franco of Acapulco also issued a statement saying that “although it is a phenomenon on worldwide level, we have to consider what it is that makes Mexico most vulnerable, in order to face it and distribute the responsibility.” With that in mind, he mentions that “the food crisis is closely linked to the rural sector and the market, which in the globalized world has its greatest effect on the poorest populations.” Thus, in light of this crisis, “Mexico should strengthen its rural sector, in order to obtain food security and autonomy.”
“The food crisis obliges us to be prudent in the administration of our goods and supportive of the poorest around us. We are all responsible in some way in assuring that no one lacks the food they need to live on,” he concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2008)


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