Introduction
While acknowledging that agricultural activities are directly exposed to unpredictable weather conditions, the indicators related to Mexico’s corn production should deeply concern the federal government. According to statistical information reported by the Agroalimentary and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP) of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), as of September 30, 2025, the agricultural year does not look promising.
Current State of Corn Production
As per the SIAP, by September 30 of this year, 6,715,135 hectares of corn had been planted, representing a 2.3% increase compared to the same date last year. However, when viewed in context, this figure is unfavorably compared to the average surface area sown by September 30 in each year from 2018 to 2023, which was 7,178,814 hectares. This indicates a 6.5% decrease in the area sown with corn reported for 2025.
The reduced planted area also translates to lower production. By September 30, 2025, the reported production was 4,741,248 tonnes. In contrast, at the same date during the last year of President Peña Nieto’s administration, 8,508,392 tonnes had already been produced.
These figures suggest that the corn production for the 2025 agricultural year will likely be slightly below the estimated 22 million tonnes, representing approximately a 20% decrease compared to the average production for the years 2018-2023, which was 27.2 million tonnes. This means that while Mexico’s population has grown by nearly 9 million people between 2018 and 2025, we now produce less corn.
Factors Contributing to the Crisis
Various factors contribute to this concerning prospect, including weather-related issues like the recent drought in Sinaloa and the erratic, unpredictable agricultural policies implemented by both the previous administration and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government.
Alongside dismantling significant institutional frameworks aimed at improving Mexico’s economic development, the support policies for agriculture were also dismantled. Recently, Mexican farmers have expressed widespread discontent due to the lack of clarity regarding support instruments for corn producers and perceived insufficient government support.
Additional factors include rising production costs and falling international corn prices, which have pressured Mexican industries to lower the prices they are willing to pay for corn.
Government Response
The harsh reality of 2025 has prompted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to recognize the need to reintroduce abandoned approaches, such as promoting modernization in corn marketing schemes. The current agricultural sector suffers from the consequences of poorly combined public policy decisions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current state of corn production in Mexico? A: The 2025 agricultural year’s corn production is projected to be slightly below 22 million tonnes, a 20% decrease from the average production of 27.2 million tonnes between 2018 and 2023.
- Q: What factors are contributing to the corn production crisis? A: Factors include weather-related issues, erratic agricultural policies, rising production costs, and falling international corn prices.
- Q: How is the Mexican government responding to this crisis? A: The government has acknowledged the need to reintroduce abandoned approaches, such as promoting modernization in corn marketing schemes.
