Brazil’s Landless Workers’ Movement: A Blueprint for Global Agrarian Reform?
The Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) in Brazil, a powerful force in Latin American social movements, recently held its National Meeting in Salvador de Bahia. This gathering, attended by over 3,000 leaders and activists, underscored the ongoing struggle for land reform and offered a glimpse into potential future trends for peasant movements worldwide. With the support of President Lula da Silva, the MST is not only advocating for land redistribution but also actively pursuing political representation, a dual strategy that could reshape the landscape of agrarian politics.
The Pillars of Popular Agrarian Reform
At the heart of the MST’s agenda is the concept of “Popular Agrarian Reform,” a comprehensive program aiming to democratize land access and promote peasant protagonism. This program extends beyond simply acquiring land. it encompasses a holistic vision for rural life, focusing on key areas such as seed sovereignty, water defense, diversified energy matrices, agroecology, and access to education and healthcare. The MST views these elements as interconnected and essential for building sustainable, equitable rural communities.
Marta Greco, an agronomist and delegate from Argentina’s Movimiento Nacional Campesino Indígena – Somos Tierra, highlighted the program’s ten core pillars: democratizing land access, conceptualizing seeds as a common good, defending water resources, organizing cooperative food production and distribution, developing diversified energy sources, promoting agroecology, establishing agricultural policies, guaranteeing rural education, valuing rural culture, and ensuring universal healthcare. These principles resonate with similar movements across the globe seeking alternatives to industrial agriculture and land concentration.
From Land Occupation to Political Participation
The MST’s strategy has evolved to include active participation in the political arena. Recognizing the limitations of solely focusing on land occupations, the movement is now fielding candidates for parliamentary elections, aiming to influence policy from within the state. This dual approach – direct action alongside institutional engagement – is a key characteristic of the MST’s current phase.
President Lula da Silva’s attendance at the National Meeting and his support for MST candidates signal a renewed commitment to agrarian reform in Brazil. This support is particularly significant given the upcoming presidential elections, where Lula is seeking re-election. The MST’s ability to mobilize its base and influence the political discourse could be crucial in determining the outcome of the election and shaping the future of Brazilian agriculture.
A Model for Argentina and Beyond?
The MST’s experiences and strategies are attracting attention from peasant movements in other countries, including Argentina. Greco noted that the MST serves as a reference point for organizations seeking to build effective strategies for land reform and rural development. The articulation, alliances, and unity demonstrated by the MST are seen as particularly valuable lessons for movements in Argentina, where the challenges of land concentration and agribusiness dominance are similar.
Whereas the specific agrarian realities of Brazil and Argentina differ, the underlying struggle against the prevailing agricultural model – dominated by large-scale agribusiness – is a common thread. The concept of Popular Agrarian Reform, with its emphasis on social justice, sustainability, and peasant autonomy, offers a unifying framework for movements in both countries.
Recent Developments and Government Action
In May 2025, President Lula da Silva expropriated a 10,600-hectare plantation in Paraná state, settling 450 families from the MST who had occupied the site since 2003. This action demonstrates a concrete commitment to land redistribution and provides a tangible example of the MST’s success in achieving its goals. In March 2025, decrees were signed to settle 4,883 families on over 75,000 hectares of land, creating four new areas for agrarian reform.
Recent events, including the tragic murder of three MST workers at the Olga Benário Camp in Tremembé, São Paulo, in January 2025, highlight the ongoing risks and challenges faced by the movement. President Lula da Silva responded by offering solidarity and deploying federal resources to investigate the attack and provide assistance to the settlement.
FAQ
Q: What is the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST)?
A: The MST is a Brazilian social movement advocating for land reform and the rights of landless peasants.
Q: What is Popular Agrarian Reform?
A: It’s a comprehensive program developed by the MST that aims to democratize land access, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
Q: Is the MST involved in politics?
A: Yes, the MST is increasingly involved in political participation, fielding candidates for elections to influence policy from within the government.
Q: What is La Vía Campesina?
A: It is an international peasant movement organization that the MST is a part of, along with organizations from Argentina.
Did you know? The MST received the Right Livelihood Award in 1991 for its function in securing land for landless families and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Pro Tip: Supporting local farmers and advocating for fair agricultural policies are crucial steps in building a more just and sustainable food system.
Explore more articles on sustainable agriculture and social movements to deepen your understanding of these critical issues. Share your thoughts in the comments below – what role do you see land reform playing in the future of food security?
