Corn farmers in Jalisco and neighboring states are threatening to launch protests beginning Monday, February 23, over the government’s failure to deliver promised subsidies, raising the prospect of major traffic disruptions on federal highways.
The mobilization follows the expiration of a February 15 deadline for the payment of a 950-peso-per-ton incentive — 800 pesos from the federal government and 150 pesos from the state. According to farmers, the funds have not been dispersed.
“We have nearly a million tons of unsold grain in Guanajuato, Michoacán and Jalisco,” said Edgar Ortiz De Santiago, president of the group Amigos por el Campo. He warned that without immediate action, farmers would lose the opportunity to claim the support, as receipts must be presented by the end of March.
Farm leaders plan to attend a meeting at the Interior Ministry in Mexico City on Monday to demand a resolution. However, they have stated that if they are not heard, protests will begin immediately across the El Bajío and Western regions, areas that include key highway corridors in Jalisco.
In recent months, similar protests by agricultural groups have resulted in the blocking of federal highways, causing hours-long delays for motorists and disrupting commercial transport.
Jalisco authorities urge travelers to monitor local news, and consider adjusting travel plans for next week.