Press Release
U.S. supports ethanol project that will benefit demobilized population in Colombia
Thanks to the support provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, up to 1,500 demobilized people from illegal armed groups will have income generation and employment opportunities due to the signing today of the ethanol production contract in the municipalities of María La Baja (Department of Bolívar), San Onofre (Department of Sucre), and Momil (Department of Córdoba). The U.S. contribution is USD $1.5 million.
U.S. Ambassador William R. Brownfield, and the High Commissioner for Reintegration, Frank Pearl, attended the event which took place at the Presidential Palace. Also present were Juan Hernández, President of Ethanol Consortium Board, Alberto Grosso Cámara, President of Controlsud Internacional S.A., and Christopher Gascon, Assistant Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
During the ceremony Ambassador Brownfield stated: “This project is a classic example of what we called a “win-win” situation. We win in terms of reintegrating people who were armed four or five years ago, win in the creation of new jobs, win in the development of new technology, win in the establishment of new markets, win in the development of a solution to the energy problems of the 21st Century, and win by establishing and strengthening Colombia’s biofuel development leadership in the region.”
The beneficiaries will work in three 15,000 hectare plants where they will farm sugar cane for ethanol production. The project will be carried out through cooperatives and social solidarity economy companies that will be in charge of hiring affiliates as well as providing credit, education, and recreation services.