Background on Key Individuals and Context
Brooke Rollins serves as the United States Secretary of Agriculture, responsible for overseeing policies and programs related to agriculture in the country. Julio Berdegué Sacristán is Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, working to ensure the agricultural sector’s growth and development in Mexico.
The cattle-killing fly, scientifically known as Gastrophilus indendi, is a significant pest affecting livestock in Mexico, particularly in the southern region. The United States and Mexico have been collaborating on a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program to combat this pest, which aims to reduce fly populations and protect cattle herds.
The Controversy: Air Restrictions and Tariffs
On April 11, Brooke Rollins sent an initial letter to Julio Berdegué, expressing concerns about the ongoing collaboration in addressing the cattle-killing fly issue. In her follow-up letter on April 26, Rollins emphasized the urgency of removing obstacles hindering the SIT program’s success.
Air Restrictions
Rollins criticized Mexico’s air restrictions, which prevent USDA-contracted transporters like Dynamic Aviation from operating within Mexico. These limitations, according to Rollins, compromise the integrity of their joint eradication strategy.
She highlighted that Mexico had only allowed these transporters to fly for a temporary 60-day period, which is insufficient to sustain their ongoing activities. Rollins also pointed out that Mexico imposes tariffs on aircraft parts, dispersal equipment, and sterile flies, further complicating the collaboration.
Tariffs on Agricultural Equipment
The US Secretary of Agriculture demanded that Berdegué take immediate action to eliminate these barriers. Otherwise, the USDA would restrict the importation of live animals—including cattle, bison, and horses—from Mexico by April 30 to safeguard American agricultural interests.
Berdegué’s Response
Julio Berdegué responded through his official channel, stating that Mexico would maintain its collaborative yet independent approach. He emphasized that they would not subordinate themselves to external pressures, echoing President Claudia Sheinbaum’s stance.
Key Questions and Answers
- What actions did Julio Berdegué take between April 11 and 26? There is no clear information on Berdegué’s specific actions during this period, nor whether he informed President Sheinbaum about the contents of Rollins’ initial letter.
- Does Berdegué seem concerned about the broader bilateral relationship or the impact of US policies under Trump? Based on his response, Berdegué appears focused on maintaining Mexico’s sovereignty and independence rather than being overly concerned about the broader implications of the situation.
The ongoing dispute between the US and Mexico over the cattle-killing fly eradication program highlights the complexities of international agricultural collaboration and the challenges posed by differing national priorities.
