Background on the Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA)
The Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA) is a prominent organization representing Mexican agricultural interests. As the voice of farmers and producers, the CNA plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that support and protect Mexico’s agricultural sector. Jorge Esteve Recolons, the CNA president, has been vocal about the challenges faced by Mexican corn producers and the need for government support.
CNA’s Urgent Appeal for Corn Producers
During the 3rd Edition of the Congress on Food Safety and Quality 2025, organized by the CNA and Senasica, Esteve Recolons urged the Federal Government to provide certainty and additional support for corn producers. He warned against hasty, “bombshell” agreements that only temporarily address immediate issues.
Recent Agreement Between SADER and Corn Producers
Following an agreement between the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and corn producers in Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán, Esteve Recolons expressed concerns about reactive measures rather than proactive solutions.
Challenges Faced by Mexican Corn Producers
Mexican corn producers face significant disadvantages compared to farmers in other countries who receive agricultural subsidies equivalent to 10-20% of grain prices. Esteve Recolons highlighted that Mexican farmers lack adequate insurance, financing, and guaranteed price stability.
Rising Costs vs. Falling Prices
In the past two years, costs for Mexican corn producers have increased by over 40%, while international maize prices have dropped approximately 40%. Esteve Recolons emphasized the need for government support to address these imbalances.
Government Support and Resources
Although Esteve Recolons acknowledged SADER’s Secretary, Julio Berdegué’s efforts in supporting corn producers, he pointed out the limitations faced due to insufficient resources. He stressed that more funding is necessary for effective support of the Mexican agricultural sector.
Government Initiatives for Corn Producers
Julio Berdegué announced a program to support 90,000 farmers with up to 20 hectares each. The initiative includes a 950-peso-per-ton incentive for maize, capped at 200 tons per producer. The program aims to mitigate the impact of low international prices and expand access to credit with preferential annual interest rates of 8.5%.
International Maize Prices and Production Costs
According to the Agriculture Secretariat, international maize prices average 3,400 pesos per ton. Including logistical and transportation costs, the price rises to 4,850 pesos, which remains below the production costs of most Mexican farmers.
Security and Self-Sufficiency in Food Production
Esteve Recolons emphasized the importance of food security and self-sufficiency for Mexico. He urged the Federal Government to provide more support, considering that many countries subsidize their farmers significantly. He also highlighted the need for proactive measures rather than reactive ones to ensure a stable agricultural sector.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA)? The CNA is a prominent organization representing Mexican agricultural interests, advocating for policies that support and protect the country’s agricultural sector.
- What challenges do Mexican corn producers face? Mexican corn producers struggle with disadvantages compared to farmers in other countries who receive substantial agricultural subsidies. They also face rising costs and falling international prices.
- What support has the Federal Government provided? The government announced a program to support corn producers with incentives, credit access, and price reference systems. However, CNA president Jorge Esteve Recolons has called for increased funding and more proactive measures.
- Why is food security important for Mexico? Ensuring food security and self-sufficiency is crucial for Mexico, as it reduces dependence on local production and safeguards against market or climate failures.
