Betting the farm.

While some Latin American leaders seem to move away from U.S.-style economic management, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe embraces it more each day. Uribe--up for reelection this month--recently pushed through a free trade agreement with the United States. As the two sides ironed out thorny agricultural issues, officials in neighboring Venezuela criticized Uribe's policies and Colombians griped about coming competition.

"The execution may create distortion between Colombia and Venezuela. We are weighing this impact to prevent an adverse effect on our productive sector and move forward to Mercosur."

--Venezuela Industry Trade Minister Gustavo Marquez (El Universal)

"The free trade agreement with Colombia will generate export opportunities for U.S. agriculture, industry and service providers and help create jobs in the United States."

--U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman (LATIN TRADE)

"We feel it was worth the effort, and that we're bringing a very good agreement back to our country."

--Jorge Humberto Botero, Colombian Trade Minister (AFP)

"It's a shame what the negotiation will do to Colombian poultry."

--Jorge Enrique Bedoya, president of Colombian poultry association Fenavi (El Tiempo)

"Uribe is such a breath of fresh air in Latin America; it's nice to have a country down there that's dependable."

--Richard Segal, fund manager for Argonaftis Capital Management in London (Bloomberg)

"When you've got an ally as effective as Mr. Uribe, the smart thing is to support him."

--Washington Post editorial