Sinaloa secures sorghum export deal with China

Sinaloa authorities and the Sichuan Yourong Group have finalized an agreement to export 1.2 million tons of red sorghum to China. The grain will be used in the production of baijiu liquor. As part of the initial phase, six test containers are scheduled for shipment to verify that the product meets Chinese food safety and quality requirements.

This agreement offers a potential crop diversification strategy for up to 10,000 producers in Sinaloa. Agricultural leaders are seeking federal support to ensure the transition to sorghum is profitable, given current low international market prices. They are also advocating for contract farming models to guarantee returns for local growers.

Separately, corn producers in the northern region of Sinaloa report delays in receiving federal subsidies of 800 pesos per ton for the recent harvest. The Association of Farmers of the South Río Fuerte noted that while symbolic payments were made in the central part of the state, northern producers have yet to receive funds, creating financial uncertainty as they attempt to settle debts and prepare for the upcoming autumn-winter season.