Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Amid Fuel Shortage, Venezuelan Farmers Worry about Crops

Associated Press

   LA GRITA - Growing potatoes and carrots high in the wind-swept
   mountains of western Venezuela had always proven a challenge for Luis
   Villamizar.

   But as oil production in the South American country has collapsed under
   years of mismanagement and U.S. sanctions, many in the industry are
   confronting another hardship: Fuel shortages.

   "Nobody's going to eat this. It's a loss for sure, said Villamizar, 53,
   as he dug up potatoes darkened with spots from a damaging infestation.
   "Who's going to buy these? This won't do."

   He's not alone. Across Venezuela, crops are spoiling in the fields - at
   a time of unprecedented hunger - as farmers become the latest casualty
   of the nation's deepening crisis.

.