Corn producers in Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Jalisco announced the release of one lane in their road blockades as a gesture of good faith to speed up negotiations with the federal government. This follows dialogue commitments with senators, though they reject the offered price of 6,050 pesos per ton and demand 7,200 pesos. The blockades, started on October 27, have left hundreds stranded for over 20 hours.
Corn farmers, organized by the Movimiento Agrícola Campesino (MAC) and the Unión Nacional de Trabajadores Agrícolas (UNTA), began blockades on October 27 in at least 17 states, focusing on Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Jalisco. They demand a guaranteed price of 7,200 pesos per ton of corn, as the current 6,050 pesos does not cover production costs. They also seek to exclude corn from the T-MEC due to unfair competition from subsidized U.S. imports, measures against rural extortion and violence, and more social supports amid droughts.
The government, through Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué, offered 6,050 pesos—25% above the international price—after meetings at the Secretariat of Government, but producers called it a “mockery” and “insult to Mexican farming.” President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that dialogue tables remain open. As a show of good faith, farmers will free one lane for ambulances, elderly, and children, following senators' attention.
“We will open one lane, but this is only because they have attended us, and if they help, it all ends soon. What we ask is that they understand us, farmers are desperate,” said a campesino leader. In Michoacán, seven points are blocked on the Autopista de Occidente, such as Morelia-Zinapécuaro and Zamora-Jiquilpan, stranding passengers over 12 hours; locals donated soup, bread, and water. In Guanajuato, 25 points affected, including León-Silao and Irapuato-Silao. In Jalisco, closures on Morelia-Guadalajara and Zamora-Guadalajara. Manifestante Pedro Villegas threatened to block refineries and trains if no solution. The protests cause million-peso losses and disrupt perishable goods distribution.
