The Field and the Ring: The ″Chair Strikes″ in Politics and the Life of the Brazilian Farmer

Recent events in Brazil have left the nation in shock. During an electoral campaign in one of the country’s largest cities, a mayoral candidate resorted to violence, striking his opponent with a chair and turning the political stage into a literal boxing ring. However, for Brazilian farmers, such ″chair strikes″ are a daily reality. They constantly face metaphorical blows from various sectors of society, including politicians, artists, ministers, and even the president.

The "Chair Strikes" in Politics

Violence in the political environment reflects the polarization dominating public discourse. Words turn into weapons, and arguments are replaced by personal attacks. However, when we think of symbolic chair strikes, it's hard not to draw a parallel with what happens in the field. Just as that candidate struck his opponent, Brazilian farmers face a flood of criticism that, day after day, tries to undermine their importance and efforts.

In a controversial song, a famous Brazilian artist linked agribusiness to deforestation and excessive pesticide use, with lyrics stating:

"You no longer care about those lives / See how 'agribusiness' dehumanizes."

I honestly don't know this musician, nor do I care to, but for many Brazilians, this resonates and creates a negative image of our sector. For many producers, these words felt like real chair strikes, ignoring technological advances, the use of sustainable practices, and the effort to feed a growing population. Farmers are often easy targets for baseless accusations, being blamed for complex, global problems.

The "Chair Strikes" Against Farmers

Brazilian farmers are resilient. They deal with the unpredictability of weather, high production costs, and constant international market pressures. However, what weighs most heavily on them are criticisms from influential figures who should better understand the dynamics of the field. Politicians and ministers, who sometimes defend a simplistic view of agribusiness, often throw their own chair strikes.

In a congressional session, the current Minister of the Environment labeled agribusiness as the villain of environmental preservation, ignoring the millions of hectares preserved by producers and the innovations in pesticide use aimed at low-impact agriculture. Despite the criticism, Brazilian farmers continue to protect nearly 25% of the national territory without receiving anything in return.

• Area destroyed by fire in Brazil from August 2019 to August 2024 (in millions of hectares);

• One hectare is equivalent to 10,000 square meters; a football field is about 7,000 square meters

The True Stewards of Preservation

Brazil is one of the countries that most preserves its forests, with the majority of this preservation occurring on private lands owned by farmers. These farmers are the true stewards of preservation, taking action and teaching us how to protect the environment. They do not merely talk, sing, or write about it—they live it every day.

• Agriculture is more leading to environmental preservation in Brazil

• This figure highlights the significant amount of land preserved in Brazil, comparing it to the total areas of several European countries.

Words carry immense weight, and this is no different in the political arena or agribusiness. When a candidate hurls a chair, the visual impact is immediate. However, words spoken by public figures, even if less visible, can have devastating effects.

I recall a statement made by a Brazilian actor, renowned for his portrayal of Captain Nascimento in the film Tropa de Elite—a role I deeply appreciated. He said, "Brazilian agribusiness is stained with the blood of the Amazon. We need a more inclusive and sustainable development model." This comment spread widely across social media, amplified by the fact that the actor also works in Hollywood.

For the farmer who wakes up early, works the land, and relies on the harvest to support their family, such comments feel like a blow, ignoring their sacrifice and commitment to producing quality food. Each superficial criticism is an attack that disregards the efforts of those who sustain Brazil's economy and feed the nation.

But to me, there are words even more damaging than a physical blow. These come from our highest leader—the one who should be opening markets, defending the most vital sector of our economy, and standing up against protectionist actions imposed by our competitors. Instead of defending the good farmers and punishing those who don’t follow the rules, his words often amount to a broad attack on the sector. Here are some of his statements:

"Agribusiness needs to understand that it cannot keep advancing into the Amazon and the cerrado as if it owns everything."

"The problem is that part of agribusiness thinks it can produce without worrying about environmental preservation."

"Brazil cannot be seen just as a commodity supplier. We need to add value and protect our natural resources."

"When agribusiness turns a blind eye to slave labor, it helps destroy Brazil's image abroad."

"Agribusiness cannot be the only winner while small farmers and indigenous communities suffer from the loss of their lands."

"Brazil cannot be a dumping ground for pesticides banned in other countries. We must be responsible for what we put in the soil and in our food."

"A part of agribusiness acts as if it owns Brazil, disregarding environmental laws and the rights of traditional communities."

"It is not possible for Brazilian agribusiness to continue ignoring climate change and the damage it causes to the environment."

We know we have many problems to solve, and like other countries, we will work on them. However, statements like these, coming from someone with such influence, feel like blows that undermine the sector.

The True Strength of the Farmer

However, just as the candidate struck by the chair stood up again, the Brazilian farmer also rises after each criticism. They respond with innovation, sustainable production, environmental preservation, and the mission to feed millions.

The resilience of the farmer transcends political and artistic boundaries. They know that, in the end, it is their hard work that turns soil into food, rain into harvest, and fields into prosperity.

Like a political campaign, the farmer knows that the blows will come, but they remain steadfast, working, innovating, and keeping Brazil at the top of global agricultural production.

In the end, the analogy between politics and farming shows that, despite the attacks, the Brazilian farmer will continue to plant, tend, and harvest. The blows they receive—from both the climate and public figures—only reinforce their determination to succeed, proving that in the ring of life, the winner is the one who stays standing.