Grassroots Agricultural Union in Venezuelan Plains: The Pancha Vásquez Collective (First Installment)
Title: Venturing into the Pancha Vásquez Commune: A Rebellious Corner of Apure State
Hey buddy! Get cozy, bundle up, and grab a drink 'cause we're delving into the wild and untamed lands of the Pancha Vásquez Commune in the Apure state of Venezuela. Apure, a wild and vast region known for its striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also plagued by political and social conflicts. This commune, located on the outskirts of Elorza, is sprawling, boasting 14 communal councils that mostly focus on agriculture and cattle rearing.
This three-part series will unravel the history and productive activities of the Pancha Vásquez Commune and how it thrives despite the challenges posed by the US blockade.
Down the Historical Roots of the Commune
Communes that succeed in Venezuela typically emerge from a long lineage of struggles. Here in the Pancha Vásquez territory, we're sharing stories of resistance, rebellion, and tales passed down for generations.
Indigenous Context
Hugo Calzadilla: Before colonization, the land was inhabited by the Cuiba and Pumé Indigenous peoples, who were mercilessly pushed toward the Capanaparo River by Spanish settlers. Many of our stories, myths, and traditions trace back to these Indigenous cultures. The very idea of communal living, rooted in their cosmovision, can be traced back to them. Tragically, mainstream culture is often oblivious to the violent history of Indigenous people in this land. Stories of the 1966 Hato La Rubiera massacre still haunt the memories of the Indigenous people in Apure state, and they left a lasting impact on Hugo Chávez during his time here as a young officer. Even though the Bolivarian Revolution fought for justice, reparations for the Indigenous peoples remain a work in progress. As Calzadilla sums up, "A revolution is never finished."
Elorza: Nestled Among Colonialism's Shadows
Hugo Calzadilla: tracing the origins of Elorza back to the days when the Indigenous peoples were forcefully baptized and made to celebrate Saint Joseph, we find the dark side of colonialism. Colonization and Christianization went hand in hand. These festivities, called Fiestas de Elorza, have evolved into a rich cultural expression, though their twisted origins are seldom spoken of. Elorza, once a border settlement and now celebrated worldwide for its music, was caught in the struggles between Colombia and Venezuela. With the redrawing of borders in 1866, Elorza became part of Venezuela and gave way to the Guajira Peninsula to Colombia. Elorza also lays claim to being the birthplace of the Bravos de Apure, a group of horsemen who stood up against Spanish General Pablo Morillo. Their protracted struggle was critical to Venezuela's independence.
Pancha Vásquez: The Dominant Dame
Hugo Calzadilla: Francisca Vásquez, more popularly known as Pancha, was a landowner who contended with the patriarchy in a male-dominated world. She inspired Rómulo Gallegos' novel, Doña Barbára, considered the most significant of the 20th century in Venezuela. Widowed at a young age, Pancha took charge of her large cattle ranch and rapidly became successful. But her triumph came with tragedy and misogyny. Young Pedro Emilio, her only son, was killed by a mystical creature Pancha kept close - a bizarre animal believed to be half-bull, half-horse and a harbinger of evil! Pancha is remembered for her success, tragedy, and unshakable resilience. We pledged our allegiance to her by naming the commune Pancha Vásquez.
The Commune and its History
Petra Cedeño: The Pancha Vásquez Commune is one of the most consolidated initiatives in the plains region of Venezuela. Here we discover the origins and forms of self-governance that have made it a powerful force.
Self-governance
Juan Fernández: Self-governance involves communities working together to tackle everyday issues. We started organizing in 2006 and officially registered our commune in 2014, persisting through numerous obstacles placed in our path by the powers that be. Our commune takes its name from Pancha Vásquez, a powerful, combative woman who represented an energetic force in the community. However, not everyone was thrilled about the name; some like me felt she didn't truly embody the spirit of the people. Nevertheless, democracy has its quirks, right?
The commune is built on cattle rearing, with three communal councils focusing on agriculture. We also incorporate fishing into our communal economy. With such diverse means of production, our commune is a powerhouse.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Land Ownership
Juan Fernández: The fact that the land is privately-owned puts a limit on the commune's potential. We have the Collection and Distribution Center, a social property enterprise, but Chávez envisioned communal production as the key to transforming society. Alas, the road to realizing that vision is still long.
Just on the outskirts of the commune, but within its strategic influence area, lies vast, underused state-owned land. We've asked INTI, the land institute, to transfer some land to the commune, but progress is slow. Some factions support the commune, while others favor strategic alliances with the private sector. We also have a primarily unused ranch within the commune's perimeter that could easily be put to communal use. This ranch was once run by an irregular armed group, but the National Antidrug Office took care of that problem. Unfortunately, the decision on whether the land will be ceded to the commune is still pending. It would be fitting if it became communal land.
The Future Belongs to the Commune
Juan Fernández: The commune represents the future of our country. The commune isn't just a stepping stone in the journey towards building a better and more just Venezuela; it's its beating heart. The struggle to secure land, resources, and build communal enterprises is essential in ensuring communal hegemony. We live in a world where capitalism rules, and the commune serves as a beacon of hope, offering an alternative to the capitalist system. Even in the toughest times, the commune has been a lifeline. We must never forget that!
Elected Leaders Redefining the Frontier
Juan Fernández: Born from the ashes of Ramón Rafael Fernández, a hardworking man cherished by the community, Juan's dedication to this land and its people has its roots in his family.
Ramón was a cattle herder who emphasized the importance of hard work, integrity, and solidarity. Juan read Communist Party documents and learned about Chinese communes during his academic years, drawing inspiration from both his father and Chávez. Juan's father may not have identified as a leftist, but his compassion and solidarity spoke volumes.
Following Chávez's emphasis on collective needs over individual ones, Juan has dedicated his life to building the commune. Losing his father in 2008 and Chávez in 2013 has been tough for Juan, but he continues on the path they laid for him.
Petra Cedeño: A Woman in a Man's World
Petra Cedeño: Life in this part of the world is challenging, with few women taking up roles as ranchers or community leaders. Despite being one of only two female members of the parliament in the commune, Petra is determined to make a difference. She learned the art of ranching from her father, growing up to run a family-run production unit that focuses on raising cattle. Cheese-making is her specialty, and she's working hard to boost production and diversify the commune's economy. The commune offers a space for people to come together, discuss their problems, and work collectively towards a solution. Petra's home has played a significant role in this, serving as a de facto headquarters for community matters. "I especially cherish solving problems," says Petra, "and I'm dedicated to the progress of this commune."
Production: Taming the Savanna
Apure's sprawling plains offer the perfect setting for raising livestock, as we see in the verdant landscapes of Pancha Vásquez.
The Foundation of Production
Juan Fernández: Dual-purpose cattle, serving both as a source of milk and meat, form the economic backbone of the commune. Three communal councils on the banks of the Arauca River focus on agriculture, producing essential staple crops like corn, yuca, and plantain. Fishing is another important aspect of the commune's economy.
A Rancher's Struggle: Gerardo Ramírez
Gerardo Ramírez: Building a farming operation is tough, and the challenges multiply in a capitalist system. Gerardo's family-run farm raises dual-purpose cattle for both milk and cheese production. Climate change and economic sanctions have hit Gerardo and his fellow ranchers hard, reducing their herd over the years and making it difficult to access crucial agricultural inputs. But they refuse to give up, eschewing defeat in favor of persistence. Chávez once said that buffalo would become the black gold of the Venezuelan Llanos, and Gerardo has taken this message to heart, working to grow his buffalo herd.
A Beekeeper: José Salomón Calzadilla
José Salomón Calzadilla: Bee-keeping appeals to José, combining science and nature to create the perfect harmony. José learned this craft from Father Gonzalo de Jesús, who was not only a spiritual mentor to Chávez but also a wealth of knowledge about bees and their hives. José grows African bees, combining science and nature to create an efficient ecosystem. Climate change has affected honey production, but José, through dedication and patience, continues to master the art of beekeeping.
A Tobacco Grower: José Araque
José Araque: Chewing tobacco is a tradition in this region, and José's family farm is no exception. The farm also has a herd of cattle and small pigs. José's top priority is diversity, focusing on alternative crops to reduce his dependence on the market. He has shifted towards growing chimó, a type of chewing tobacco, as an alternative to monoculture. Complementing the tobacco farm with subsistence crops is essential, as the commune's overarching goal is to promote solidarity and collective responsibility.
A Sheep and Goat Breeder: Róger Rodríguez
Róger Rodríguez: Róger and his family run "La Pradera," a 175-hectare farm, one of the smaller ranches in the commune. Fuel shortages have driven down their quality of life, prompting Róger to focus on diversifying production. They now raise sheep and goats, with plans to boost their cheese production. He's also working towards growing crops to feed his livestock, fostering a "virtuous cycle" of independent farming. His ultimate goal is to ensure self-sufficiency and self-reliance for La Pradera.
The CommUNal Market
Juan Fernández: In a bid to challenge the intermediaries who exploit both producers and consumers, Pancha Vásquez set up the CommUNal Market. Every Saturday, farmers gather to sell their produce directly to consumers, cutting out the middlemen. However, fuel shortages make it hard for farmers to bring their produce to the market, which has led to a resurgence of intermediaries in the local economy. The CommUNal Market has the potential to strengthen the commune as a force against the exploitative practices of intermediaries, and it's essential that we persevere in building a brighter future.
Milk Collection Center
Rigoberto Contreras: The "El Reencuentro" Milk Collection Center, located in the heart of the Pancha Vásquez Commune, opened its doors in 2012. With milk being the backbone of production in this region, ensuring producers have easy access to a collection center is paramount. Producer-members are paid 47 cents per liter for cow milk and 64 cents for buffalo milk if they deliver to the center. With a 3000-liter cooling tank and daily intake ranging from 900 liters in the dry season to 2600 in the rainy season, the center plays a crucial role in the milk production process.
- Despite being heavily focused on agriculture and livestock, the Pancha Vásquez Commune faces limitations due to privately-owned land, a issue Juan Fernandez addresses, as he vividly paints the vision of communal production that Chávez dreamt of.
- Petra Cedeno, a woman in a traditionally male-dominated world, stands out as a prominent figure in the commune, working tirelessly to bolster the commune's economy through cattle farming and cheese-making, displaying stubborn determination in her quest for progress.
- Politically, the Pancha Vásquez Commune exemplifies a rebellious spirit, with residents persistently navigating the complexities of self-governance to tackle everyday issues, embodying a virtuous struggle against the oppressive capitalist system.
