Inside USA: The Politics of Rice

25', 2007. Produced by Al Jazeera



In Haiti, rice imports from the United States mean that its inhabitants, most of whom are living in poverty, depend on that country to survive.

 

Inside USA is a programme broadcast on Al Jazeera English. The Politics of Rice, one of its chapters, journeys to Haiti to demonstrate the close links between politics, rice and US trade strategy. Twenty years ago, Haiti produced enough rice to feed its entire population. Today, it is the world's third biggest importer of US rice, and most of the farmers are out of work whilst the country depends largely on imports. Rice prices doubled last year, with terrible effects on most Haitians, who live in poverty.