Venezuela: Irish paper giant Smurfit Kappa Group, Eucaliptus farm expropiated.

Portuguesa - BNB
EAMR
03/07/2009

El Piñal 3,700 acres (1,500 hectares) farm was seized by Venezuelan authorities yesterday. The Eucalyptus tree farm is blamed for the drought of several local rivers in the foothills of the Andes, affecting important crops in the region. The tree was first introduced from Southeast Asia to the rest of the world by Sir Joseph Banks, botanist, on the Cook expedition in 1770. Eucalyptus are the basis for several industries, such as pulp, charcoal and others. California enviromentalist call the highly flammable tree the evil plant.

In Venezuela the tree is use to make corrugated paper and packing products. El Piñal farm is part of Smurfit Kappa Forestry division, among several mills and farms they owned across five states in Venezuela. In South Africa environmentalist consider the water guzzling plant an infestation. During the announcement President Chavez said the lumber would be exploited rationally then the farm's vocation would be replace with another crop. Corn and beans were mentioned as possibilities. Although California activist have found it very problematic and expensive to eliminate the trunks and roots of this messy plant. The future of this land is yet to be determine.

Video of Chavez announcement:

"Aprieta las nalgas Mendoza, Polar is next if you don't comply with the Law." -eamr