Colombian farmers launched a campaign today to force the government to live up to unmet pledges of support for agriculture.

Farmers’ representatives met over the weekend to plan the campaign, led by workers’ organisation Agricultural Dignity.

“After several meetings with Interior Minister Aurelio Iragorri, Agriculture Minister Ruben Dario Lizarralde and other government officials, requests were not answered for full implementation of the agreements signed during 2013,” the organisation said.

Colombia’s agricultural sector last carried out a national strike in August, lasting around three weeks, that saw severe clashes with authorities. 

The demonstrations resulted in a range of government compromises, including regulation of pesticide and fertiliser prices and the elimination of tariffs for certain products.

But Agricultural Dignity and other farmers’ organisations say the government has failed to keep its word.

Coffee Dignity representative Luis Gonzaga said the government ”only listens to us when there are strikes and protests.”

Agricultural Dignity called on all municipalities across Colombia to join the strike. 

Various bodies, including coffee, potato and rice representatives, had already confirmed plans to join the movement, organisers said.

Víctor Correa of Coffee Dignity said the strikes would not stop Colombia’s coffee harvest because the sector could not afford to incur more losses. 

He said this round of protests may only last a few days and would involve marches, camps and possibly road blocks.

Agricultural Dignity also criticised “unnecessary” imports of products such as sugar, onions and beans.

Growers have asked for greater restrictions on imports from Ecuador and Peru.