Rebellion of the Rice Farmers

'The farmer's crimes: Protecting food security; Creating honest and dignified employment.'

Central Bogotá was shut down today by multiple protests, all of which intersected in the Plaza Bolivar. Among them were college students, schoolteachers, phone company unionists, and rice farmers. The farmers, who rallied in front of the Ministry of Agriculture, complain about low prices, high transportation costs, and rice imports, some of them illegal contraband.

'Colombia plants or Colombia goes bankrupt.'

Sacks of rice and spilled rice symbolize the harvest's low value.

Student marchers demand peace and funding for education.

Meanwhile, while parts of Bogotá had huge traffic jams, normally congested streets and avenues in the center were wonderfully empty of traffic, noise and pollution.

Carrera 10, for once empty of cars.

Calle 13, vacant as well.

Meanwhile, a clear view of the Eastern Hills thru unusually clean air.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours