Colombian farmers launch Coke rivals (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Mike Ceaser
In Nasa Indian territory, Colombia
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The indigenous Nasa people, about 30,000 of whom live in the mountains of western Colombia, are betting that coca-flavoured foods and drinks can not only change the leaf's image, but also help alleviate their poverty.
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Nasa leaders hope that, by offering a safe and legal alternative market, they can divert coca leaf from becoming cocaine.
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Already, say project leaders, they have heard that narcotraffickers are upset over losing their coca leaf suppliers to the legal trade.

"The people sell to the narcotraffickers out of necessity," explains Marco Tulio Mosquera, who is in charge of the coca products' commercialisation.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4623350.stm

Say, you mean we don't need a scorched-earth policy to cut drug trafficking? Who'da thunk it!

[valerief]

1. So will we invade Colombia now?

In the name of democracy, of course, but to actually save its drug trade.

[htuttle]

2. They're going to put coke back in Coke?

What will they call it? Coca-Cola is already taken (and has no coke anymore, of course).

[Gman]

5. Cool!

[Touchdown]

3. Good for them!

I hear that much of the workers who harvest coca beans work for Coca-Cola suppliers, and Coke knows that some have been murdered for trying to unionize the farm workers, of which we don't hear much about on their cans...no room for the polar bear.:eyes:

[MadHound]

4. Hey, it even looks like Condi is getting into the act

What with her coke encrusted guitar and all.