Protests against property tax valuation hikes have blocked roads in Santander and Norte de Santander, stockpiling over 10 million eggs and 1,500 tons of chicken. The National Poultry Federation (Fenavi) reports canceled exports and risk to 57 million birds due to feed shortages. President Gustavo Petro urged mayors to lower property tax rates to end the blockades.
Road blockades, ongoing for four days over property valuation hikes, severely hit the poultry sector in Santander and Norte de Santander, which account for 23% of Colombia's chicken and egg production. Fenavi reports over 10 million eggs stockpiled and 1,500 tons of chicken unmoved, plus canceled exports of 3 million eggs, including a shipment to Cuba.
Gonzalo Moreno, Fenavi president, stated: “Prolonged blockades are causing serious disruptions to food supply and essential sectors like poultry. It is crucial to find a balance that allows this right without risking supply.” Around 1,200 farms in the area need 7,000 tons of daily feed, restricted on routes like Bucaramanga-Cúcuta.
The Alianza por Santander estimates daily losses of $120 billion, affecting air travel (44% passenger drop), buses (90% decline), and construction (95 projects impacted, 37,000 jobs at risk). Natalia Gutiérrez of the National Business Council acknowledged legitimate concerns but urged institutional dialogue: “Ensuring mobility is not just logistical; it is essential for the country to function.”
President Petro said property tax rates are set by mayors and municipal councils, not the national government, and called for reductions for low-income owners: “All they have to do is lower the rate for urban and rural owners of the poor and working population in a new agreement.” He urged lifting barricades through local deals.
