Background on Key Figures and Relevance
In a historic move, Sinaloa’s agricultural leaders, both from the social and private sectors, gathered with state governor Rubén Rocha Moya and federal Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué Sacristán. This meeting aims to ensure the best possible returns for farmers in the upcoming 2026 corn harvest, marking the first time in decades that such discussions have taken place before planting season begins.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s instructions have prompted this proactive approach. The relevance of these discussions lies in their timing—before planting begins and before the federal budget is approved. This ensures that farmers have clear information about market conditions, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Meeting Details and Key Points
The meeting took place in the Governor’s Hall of the State Government Palace, where 30 agricultural representatives openly shared their concerns and suggestions with Secretary Berdegué. Governor Rocha emphasized the importance of analyzing corn marketing early, especially before planting and budget approval.
The primary goal of this gathering was not to set a pre-harvest price but to examine all variables influencing corn production and marketing. The discussions covered various topics, including financing, crop insurance, and ensuring continuous corn cultivation in Sinaloa. The state aims to produce 25 million metric tons of white corn annually by the end of Sheinbaum’s term, making corn cultivation crucial.
Secretary Berdegué committed to providing President Sheinbaum with a detailed report on the meeting’s outcomes. He praised the timely discussions, emphasizing the need for farmers to understand upcoming conditions and build a unified approach.
Both Berdegué and Rocha listened to the agricultural leaders for over two hours, discussing topics such as securing a dedicated budget allocation for grain marketing in 2026, maintaining federal coverage contributions, and transitioning to contract-based agriculture for guaranteed corn sales from the outset.
Additional requests included preventing US corn imports during Sinaloa’s harvest season, regulating fertilizer prices, and resolving outstanding payments for the 750-peso/ton corn support program inherited from the previous federal administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main objective of this meeting?
A: The primary goal is not to set a pre-harvest price but to analyze all factors influencing corn production and marketing, ensuring farmers have clear information about market conditions.
- Q: Why is this meeting significant?
A: This meeting marks the first time in decades that discussions about corn marketing have taken place before planting season begins, ensuring farmers have clear information about market conditions.
- Q: What are the key topics discussed?
A: Topics include securing a dedicated budget allocation for grain marketing in 2026, maintaining federal coverage contributions, transitioning to contract-based agriculture, preventing US corn imports during Sinaloa’s harvest season, regulating fertilizer prices, and resolving outstanding payments for the 750-peso/ton corn support program.
- Q: What is the significance of Sinaloa’s corn production target?
A: Sinaloa aims to produce 25 million metric tons of white corn annually by the end of President Sheinbaum’s term, making corn cultivation crucial for the state.
