Brasília - On Friday president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced an insurance plan for family farms that will give them loan (100%) and crop (65%) protection. The president of the National Farm Worker Confederation, Manoel Jose dos Santos, called the plan "a new hope for the family farm."

President Lula said it was important for family farmers to seek government-sponsored loans. He pointed out that the administration has earmarked US$2.41 billion (R$7 billion) this year for the Family Farm Strengthening Program.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/13/2004