Mexican Farmers Criticize Failed Federal Talks, Warn of Crisis Point
Baltazar Valdez Armentía, president of Campesinos Unidos de Sinaloa, warned the agricultural sector is at a breaking point. He made the remarks after failed negotiations with the federal government on April 1.
In an interview with Filmogaz.com, Valdez said authorities sought to delay a direct dialogue with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. He also represents farmers in the Frente Nacional para el Rescate del Campo Mexicano.
Failed negotiations and government response
Members of the FNRCM and the Asociación Nacional Transportista met with Carlos Augusto Morales, Sheinbaum’s personal secretary. Participants say the meeting produced no concrete answers and that previously signed agreements were not honored.
Mexican farmers criticized the failed talks with the federal government and warned of a crisis point. They argued that the responses offered so far do not resolve the structural problems facing the sector.
Economic pressures and policy demands
Valdez described the situation as structural and beyond short-term fixes. He cited fertilizer costs rising by up to 55 percent as a major pressure on producers.
He also attributed higher diesel prices to the war between the United States and Iran. Valdez urged a full reassessment of Mexico’s agro-food model and its trade rules.
He said the T-MEC has weakened national production compared with imports. Valdez warned that growing dependence on food imports would threaten national sovereignty.
Planned protests and potential escalation
The groups confirmed road and toll booth blockades in at least 20 states, planned for the day after the meeting. They said these measures aim to force a political response from federal authorities.
Organizers did not rule out protests during the FIFA World Cup 2026 to increase pressure. They indicated such actions would draw international attention if domestic dialogue remains stalled.
Appeal to the president and social risk
Valdez insisted they are not enemies of the state and that their goal is to defend agri-food stability. He called on President Sheinbaum to present concrete measures to address the crisis.
He warned that shortages or sharp price increases could break social peace. Valdez described that outcome as a real and present risk for the country.
