Andean Entrepreneurs Are Pushing Coca Beyond Cola, in New Teas, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Liquor and More. Bolivian president Evo Morales recently implored the United Nations to give the coca leaf a new life. A former coca farmer himself, Morales asked the General Assembly to focus on coca's possible future as the raw material for a lucrative consumer-goods industry-not its nefarious present, as the source of the international cocaine trade. "This is the coca leaf, it is green, and not white like cocaine," Morales lectured, waving one limp little leaf at the hall of surprised dignitaries. Why, he demanded, is it "legal for Coca-Cola" but not other consumer or medicinal uses? [continues 665 words]
Farmers Battle Government's Campaign To Eradicate Cash Crop Although President Hugo Banzer says coca leaf in his nation's main growing area has been virtually eliminated, residents of the region vow to keep growing the lucrative plant. In a New Year's address, Banzer said his government's goal of "zero coca" in the jungle-covered Chapare region of central Bolivia had been reached. "We need much more than applause," Banzer said. "It is time the world took stock of the work we have done." [continues 1048 words]
Economies dependent on illegal crop have few alternatives CHIMORE, Bolivia - Coca leaf farmers recently dynamited sections of the mountain road connecting the Bolivian capital, La Paz, with the northern Yungas region, causing a landslide of rocks and boulders - a natural road blockade. A U.S. military helicopter was shot at last month, injuring one soldier. Violent acts of protest such as these are on the rise in Bolivia's coca-growing regions as the country moves very close to eradicating all of its illegal coca as part of the global "war on drugs." [continues 957 words]
