Zardugal

[Flip]

La Mesagisto, 17th August 5572

PROJECT “MEMPROVIZADO”, EC SEEKS NUTRITIONAL SELF SUFFICIENCY

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The Commissar in the rather “unconventionally” redecorated press office of his department

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In a press conference Commissar Surfungo announced his departments ambitious agenda for the coming years. “In view of the economic struggles elsewhere caused by changes it market policy it has once again become clear to the EC that some goods are too essential to be left exposed to the vagaries of volatile international markets. We therefore see it as our duty to achieve complete autarky in matters of nutrition in Zardugal. In agreement with the rest of the EC I therefore decided it is time to shift my Commissariats investment focus in order to achieve a more diverse array of agricultural goods on the domestic market. At the moment funds are mostly spent on the development of “cash-crop” plantations such as coffee, tobacco, wine and opium poppies as well as producers of very basic food items such as grain. While these sectors will still receive some financial support to encourage further growth we deem them as self sufficient enough to cut spending for the time being.

Funds released as a result will flow into the reclamation of additional agricultural areas in Zardugal’s south. The local climate and soils are ideal for the cultivation of various sorts of vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and bellpeppers as well as fruits like bananas and mangoes. Sadly this project will require additional forest clearing, still we are convinced the gains outweigh the costs in this case. To prevent a situation like the one we had several years ago under my office predecessor from occurring again, police forces have already been sent to secure the area until an official authorisation for clearing works has been granted by the Supreme Council next week”

A question on the potential impacts of the project on future trade of agricultural goods was answered by the also present Commissar Migdalo in his typical dry and curt style: “Indeed, the current plans are expected to create the necessity for a proper reevaluation of currently active trade agreements. This matter will be addressed in due time”