Now here is something that is good for the economy and the environment.
Idle estates in rural Venezuela are being used for small-scale agricultural production by local farming cooperatives. This is a result of a program of land reform that has benefited over 100,000 families. The cooperatives have helped poor and previously landless communities become powerful producers of items such as beef, dairy products, grains, and vegetables.
Many cooperative members are aware that their work is helping offset a food crisis that threatens poor communities all around the world. They know how much Venezuela relies on imported goods, and have taken an active role in ensuring that local supples are available. Read a great IPS article here.