The process of restitution of usurped lands [8] and implementing the agrarian deal [9] with the disarmed FARC rebels is shaping up as a sticking point in Colombia's peace process. The Agriculture Ministry [10] has proposed a reform of Decreed Law 902 [11], issued earlier this year to facilitate redistribution of lands. Currently, DL 902 reserves Colombia's unused lands (tierras baldías) for distribution to landless campesinos under a National Land Fund established for this purpose. Under the proposed reform, large landowners will be able to apply to the National Land Agency [12] to receive these lands under a certain financial forumla. Landowners would have to pay the equivalent of 700 times the monthly minimum wage to acquire one Family Agricultural Unit (UAF [13]). The UAF was established by Law 160 of 1994 as a unit of land sufficient to sustain a family, taking into consideration soil fertility and other variables. But opponents point out that Law 160 explicitly states that tierras baldías are reserved for distribution to campesinos. (Verdad Abierta [14], Oct. 2; El Espectador [15], Sept. 21)
The proposal is related to the new law creating Rural Economic-Social Development Interest Zones (ZIDRES [16]), agri-business enclaves to be favored with aid and credit.
