Argentine producers denounce Senator Arietto over remarks

The Organización de Productores Martínez López de Florencio Varela (OPML) has issued a formal repudiation of statements made by Senator Florencia Arietto during a television broadcast on La Nación+. During an interview on the program ‘La Cornisa’ hosted by Luis Majul, Arietto referred to strawberry producers in Florencio Varela as “frutilleros bolivianos narcos en camionetas Amarok” (Bolivian narco-strawberry growers in Amarok trucks).

The OPML, which includes many families of Bolivian origin who have worked in the region for years, condemned the remarks as racist and xenophobic. The organization argued that the Senator’s comments unfairly associate their ethnic origin and agricultural activity with criminal behavior. They also noted that vehicles like the Amarok are common tools for transporting produce and equipment in rural areas.

In response to the backlash, Arietto addressed the controversy by stating, “Al que le quepa el sayo…” (To whom it may apply). The producers have demanded a public retraction and the right to reply to the allegations.