Background on Key Figures and Relevance
In Mexico, corn producers from the states of Michoacán, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Sinaloa, and Nayarit have taken a stand against the declining market prices for corn. These producers are seeking attention from federal authorities to address their concerns.
Ricardo Hernández, president of the Maize Product System in Jalisco, leads this group. They are part of a larger movement represented by Antonio Lizardi, spokesperson for Amigos por el Campo (Friends of the Countryside). Both individuals aim to bring attention to the challenges faced by Mexican corn farmers.
Key Grievances and Demands
At the Congreso Internacional Agroalimentario (CIA), an international agricultural and food congress held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, these producers voiced their frustrations to Alfredo Porras, the delegate from the Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural (Sader) in Jalisco.
- Declining Prices: The average price for a ton of corn has plummeted to 5,000 pesos, far below the producers’ demanded minimum price of 7,200 pesos per ton.
- Lack of Support: Farmers claim they are left vulnerable to international market fluctuations without adequate crop insurance or support.
- High Interest Rates: High-interest rates add financial strain to already struggling farmers.
- Climate Change: The effects of climate change have negatively impacted agricultural productivity for the past five years.
- Imported Corn: The government’s decision to allow the importation of genetically modified white corn further exacerbates their situation.
Number of Affected Farmers and Potential Actions
Approximately 23,000 farmers in Mexico are dedicated to corn cultivation. Although only around 50 attended the CIA to engage with state and federal authorities, the producers warned that if their demands are ignored, they may resort to more drastic measures such as blocking highways.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the corn producers demanding a minimum price? The producers are from Michoacán, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Sinaloa, and Nayarit.
- What is the demanded minimum price per ton of corn? The producers are asking for a guaranteed minimum price of 7,200 pesos per ton.
- Why are the producers upset? They cite declining prices, lack of support from the government, high-interest rates, climate change impacts, and imported genetically modified corn as their grievances.
- How many farmers are affected, and what actions might they take? Around 23,000 farmers are affected. If their demands aren’t met, they may resort to blocking highways as a form of protest.
