Rural Areas of Mexico City: Threefold Heritage
The rural areas of Mexico City are recognized as threefold heritage: gastronomic, cultural, and environmental. These regions are renowned for their culinary traditions, rich cultural practices, and conservation efforts that preserve biodiversity.
Strengthening Local Production and Social Justice
The Corn and Agricultural Biodiversity Fair aims to bolster local production, directly connect producers with consumers, and promote social justice in rural areas. This initiative seeks to support agroecological production and ensure that products reach consumers without intermediaries.
Clara Brugada’s Call for Ruralizing Mexico City
Clara Brugada, the Head of Government of Mexico City, emphasized the need to “ruralize” the city and recognize the 60% of Mexico City that is a conservation zone. She highlighted the importance of supporting agroecological production and ensuring direct access to consumers, bypassing intermediaries.
Reaffirming Commitment to Native Corn and Food Sovereignty
Brugada stressed that the fair is not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of the commitment to defend native corn as a bio-cultural heritage and the city’s food sovereignty, as established in the decree declaring Mexico City a genetically modified corn-free territory.
Feria del Maíz y la Agrobiodiversidad Details
The Feria del Maíz y la Agrobiodiversidad will take place from September 26 to 28 at the Monumento a la Revolución, featuring over 200 exhibitors, music, workshops, contests, seed exchange, and the “Gran Elotiza.”
Key Figures and Supporters
The event was attended by producers from the Conservation Lands, alcaldes of corn-producing areas, María Luisa Albores from the federal government, and various secretariats and organizations.
Addressing Rural Leaders
Brugada urged rural leaders to collaborate on a strategy for recognizing and promoting corn production in their territories and throughout the city.
The Significance of Rural Areas in Mexico City
Mexico City’s rural areas are recognized for their gastronomic, cultural, and environmental heritage. These regions are celebrated for their culinary traditions, cultural preservation, and conservation efforts that protect biodiversity.
Direct Access to Consumers
Brugada emphasized the importance of ensuring that rural production reaches consumers directly, bypassing intermediaries who inflate prices. This approach benefits both producers and consumers by promoting fair pricing.
Government Measures and Support
Brugada announced measures to eliminate intermediaries and ensure that farm products reach consumers at fair prices. She highlighted the success of Mercomuna and native corn tortilla initiatives as examples of sustainable models.
Commitment to Rural Communities
Brugada reaffirmed her commitment to rural communities, emphasizing the need to grant full rights to indigenous peoples and address historical debt to peripheries and indigenous communities.
Alcaldes’ Support
Several alcaldes, including José Fernando Mercado Guaida (La Magdalena Contreras), José Octavio Rivero Villaseñor (Milpa Alta), Berenice Hernández Calderón (Tláhuac), Gabriela Osorio Hernández (Tlalpan), and Circe Camacho Bastida (Xochimilco), expressed their support for the event and highlighted their alcaldías’ commitment to native corn and rural development.
