For the fifth consecutive day, farmers from various states across the country are maintaining roadblocks in protest against agreements reached with the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) regarding the price of corn.
Protests Begin After Meeting with Sader
The mobilizations started on October 27, following a meeting between campesino leaders from Michoacán, Jalisco, and Guanajuato with Sader’s head, Julio Berdegué. During this meeting, the farmers requested an increase in the guaranteed price of corn to 7,200 pesos per tonne from the current 3,129 pesos.
Sinaloa Farmers Threaten to Extend Blockades
In Sinaloa, farmers have warned that they might extend the blockades to border customs if negotiations with Sader are not resumed. Although they had announced a 72-hour closure at the Cuatro Caminos toll booth in Guasave, the protest was temporarily suspended due to Día de Muertos celebrations. Baltazar Valdez, leader of Campesinos Unidos de Sinaloa, hinted that protests would resume on November 5.
Sheinbaum Calls for Dialogue and Accuses “Other Interests” in Roadblocks
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that dialog tables with the farmers continue and her government remains open to reaching fair agreements. However, she warned that “in some cases, there are ‘non-legitimate interests'” behind the roadblocks.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the support amount for farmers varies depending on the region and production costs, so negotiations will continue in a regionalized manner.
Marches and Roadblocks in Mexico City
In addition to the agricultural strike, Mexico City has seen various demonstrations, marches, and rides on October 31 due to Halloween and Día de Muertos celebrations, as well as it being payday.
According to the C5 capital system, the main gatherings occur on avenues in the Historic Center, Roma, Condesa, and Reforma, where collectives and motorcyclists carry out the so-called “Ride of Terror,” along with planned social protests starting at 8:00 am.
Capital authorities advised drivers to anticipate their trips and use alternative routes due to the high volume of traffic expected from cultural events, concerts, and temporary road closures in various boroughs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue causing the roadblocks? Farmers are protesting against the agreed-upon price of corn with the Sader, demanding an increase from 3,129 pesos per tonne to 7,200 pesos.
- Which states are involved in the protests? The roadblocks involve farmers from Sinaloa, Michoacán, Jalisco, and Guanajuato.
- What is the current status of negotiations? Negotiations continue, with President Claudia Sheinbaum stating that her government remains open to reaching fair agreements. However, she acknowledged the presence of “non-legitimate interests” in some cases.
- What other events are causing traffic disruptions in Mexico City? Besides the farmers’ protests, Halloween and Día de Muertos celebrations, along with it being payday, have led to various demonstrations, marches, and rides causing high traffic volume in Mexico City.
