Forage Price Dispute Intensifies in Coahuila and Durango

In the Laguna region of Coahuila and Durango, approximately 150 sorghum and maize farmers have united to demand fair pricing for forage, amidst rising production costs. This collective action aims to counteract the pressure from large-scale agricultural industry players who currently set the price of forage between 80 cents and one peso per kilogram. Farmers argue this price point is unsustainable given their production expenses.

The collective effort includes farmers from San Pedro, Matamoros, Francisco I. Madero, Viesca, Gómez Palacio, and Tlahualilo. They cite detailed cost reports showing that the current agricultural cycle requires investments of 45,000 pesos per hectare for sorghum and over 50,000 pesos for maize. Many farmers, who lack their own machinery, face additional costs in renting equipment, making it difficult to repay loans without fair prices.

In response, Coahuila farmers suggest setting a base price of 1.30 pesos per kilogram for sorghum and 1.50 pesos for maize. Meanwhile, representatives from Durango, after discussions with the state's Secretary of Government, propose prices of 1.50 and 1.80 pesos, respectively. The farmers are also seeking federal subsidies, although local officials advise caution in negotiations with modern dairy businesses.

The farmers criticized the asymmetrical trade practices that leave them vulnerable at harvest time. They reported that many buyers provide seeds and fertilizers in exchange for property titles as collateral but avoid signing formal purchase agreements. This uncertainty often results in farmers learning the final payment price weeks after delivering their goods.

To safeguard the Laguna region's food sovereignty, the farmers urge the prioritization of local consumption and the limitation of food imports from Chihuahua and other northern areas of Mexico. They emphasize that their goal is not to sever ties with dairy producers or cattle feeders, but rather to establish a fair financial balance that covers fixed costs. They warn that failure to open effective dialogue with federal involvement may lead to mass protests and blockades on major transportation routes in the basin.