Wheat producers in Mexico protest delayed federal support payments

Wheat producers in Mexico are facing significant uncertainty due to delays in receiving federal support payments. In the Valle del Carrizo region, farmers reported that the Bienestar cards intended for depositing price guarantee complements had not arrived as of November 5. Baltazar Hernández Encinas, president of the Union of Producers of Valle del Carrizo, stated that if the funds do not arrive by Friday, producers may initiate protests.

In Mexicali, Baja California, farmers have taken more direct action by chaining the entrances to the offices of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). Horacio Gómez, president of the Wheat Product System, reported that not only are payments delayed, but federal support levels are also being reduced. He noted a potential drop in planting area from 29,000 hectares in the previous cycle to 20,000 hectares for the upcoming season.

Producers also expressed concern over a 30% reduction in support tonnage per hectare and decreased water volumes from the Colorado River due to international treaties with the United States. Farmers in Mexicali are seeking meetings with local deputies to resolve these issues and determine further actions.