Mexicali wheat producers occupy federal offices over unpaid debts

Wheat and corn producers in the Mexicali Valley have occupied federal offices belonging to the Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural (SADER), the Comisión Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA), and the Procuraduría Agraria. The protesters are demanding the settlement of approximately 125 million pesos in debts owed to producers of crystalline wheat, bread wheat, and corn, some of which date back to the 2022 agricultural cycle.

Led by Horacio Gómez Carranza, president of the State Council of Wheat Producers of Baja California, the demonstrators have established an indefinite protest camp. They expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding support prices and operational mechanisms for upcoming cycles. Producers warned that if they do not receive a satisfactory response from federal authorities, they may escalate their actions by blocking the Mexicali Commercial Border Crossing.

Representatives from the Frente Nacional para el Rescate del Campo Mexicano (FNRCM) stated that the lack of government support leaves farmers vulnerable to market volatility and climate phenomena without adequate insurance or protection.