MST invades farms in southern Bahia; 3 belong to Suzano

Members of the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) invaded three Suzano farms, a company that operates in the pulp and paper sector, in southern Bahia, on Monday (27). The properties are in the cities of Teixeira de Freitas, Mucuri and Caravelas. The lands are used for the cultivation of eucalyptus, that is, they are productive areas. Around 1,700 families live in the three properties and in a fourth area, which does not belong to the company, in Jacobina.

In a note sent to CNN BrazilSuzano stated that MST actions “violate the right to private property and are subject to the adoption of judicial measures to repossess these areas”.

To justify the invasions, the MST points to issues such as the water crisis, rural exodus, supposed damage to the region due to the use of pesticides by the company, and also criticized the monoculture of eucalyptus.

In the same note, Suzano said that it complies with environmental and labor legislation, and that the company’s actions are based on sustainable development. The company also highlighted that it generates around 7,000 direct jobs in the south of Bahia, and that another 20,000 indirect jobs were created as a result of the company’s operations in the region.