Mexican corn producers from multiple states have rejected the federal government’s proposal to set the price of corn at 6,050 pesos per ton, arguing that the figure falls short of covering production and transportation costs. Farmers are demanding a base price of 7,200 pesos per ton and have vowed to continue nationwide road blockades until their demands are met.
The proposal, presented by Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué during a recent roundtable discussion, includes a combination of market payments and government subsidies. Currently, the tortilla and flour industries pay producers around 5,200 pesos per ton, with an additional 850 pesos in federal aid. However, producers say this total remains insufficient to sustain their operations.
Farmers from states including Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán have mobilized at highway toll booths and major transit routes, causing significant disruptions to traffic and logistics. The protests, organized by the Commission of White Corn Producers of the BajÃo and supported by the National Union of Agricultural Workers (UNTA), reflect growing frustration over what producers describe as years of neglect and unfair pricing policies.
Despite a recent offer of 950 pesos per ton in direct support—800 pesos from the federal government and 150 from state governments—many producers remain unsatisfied, stating that the aid only benefits small-scale farmers and does not address the broader issue of fair market pricing.
Organizers have warned that blockades will continue and are considering a national tractor march to Mexico City to escalate pressure on federal authorities. As tensions rise, the standoff underscores the urgent need for a sustainable pricing model that reflects the true cost of corn production in Mexico.
Source: LSR
