Reorganization of the capital: the expropriation of peasant land by agribusiness

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss the recurring process of capital accumulation and the question of land expropriation as a strategy for expanding reproduction of the capitalist system, based on the condition that this system deals with two types of enclosure, both old and new, in order to continue the process of reproduction. This study is grounded on an exploratory research project and using the method of dialectical materialism with reference to the works of Marx, Harvey, Angellis, and the members of the Midnight Notes Collective of The Commoner Journal intends to argue that the current processes of capital accumulation is a continuous and inherent process of capitalist production. Document analysis and interviews were used in this study to examine the relationship between this theoretical discussion and an empirical case of land grabbing in the State of Tocantins, Brazil. Preliminary research findings indicate that in the towns of Goiatins, Barra do Ouro, and Campos Lindos the peasants suffer from two types of enclosure: the parliamentary enclosure and the enclosure of common lands. In the first case by soybean farmers, who have forged documents, around 80 families have been displaced from their homes and lost their possessions in 1995, when they suffered from violent deeds and physical menace. In the second case, by the State Government, that with the Decree 436/97 expropriated 105,000 ha for the production of soybeans, displacing more than 100 families. These peasants encouraged by the social movements have been fighting for their rights for more than 15 years, in an attempt that the Brazilian Justice System should take steps to resolve conflicting land claims through legislation and to guarantee their rights to property. 

Keywords: Primitive accumulation; Agribusiness; Peasant expropriation.