Veracruz government clears municipal debt and pledges direct maize purchases for farmers

The Veracruz state government settled a more than 20 million‑peso debt incurred by the 199 municipal securitizations created in 2008, releasing the municipality of Ixtaczoquitlán from budget deductions that had reduced its federal participation. Mayor José Luis Cortés Gutiérrez called the payment a historic achievement, noting the municipality will no longer face the financial burden.

Governor Rocío Nahle García announced a program to purchase maize directly from small producers at 7,000 pesos per ton, eliminating intermediaries to ensure fair income for farmers. Juan Artemio Rodríguez Maceda, representative of the Regional Farmers’ Committee in Orizaba, welcomed the move but said the benefits must be confirmed once the scheme is implemented.