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How the War on Drugs got us... blueberries

Planet Money

CHAPTER

From Coca to Crops: A Peruvian Transition

This chapter examines the U.S. initiative in Peru to combat cocaine production by transitioning farmers from coca cultivation to alternative crops, particularly asparagus. It highlights the challenges faced by farmers in making this shift amidst local corruption and violence, while detailing personal stories of families navigating economic turmoil. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the socio-economic transformations brought about by these efforts, raising questions about the sustainability of this development amidst international competition.

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