President Claudia Sheinbaum assured this Friday that the protests by agricultural producers persisting in some parts of the country are related to some 'political interests,' as she stated that her government is offering various supports to the agricultural sector. During her morning press conference, she informed that next week she will present more supports for small corn producers, those with less than 5 hectares, while for the rest, who are the minority, credits are being granted. She also affirmed that there is an agreement with large buyers. In this sense, Sheinbaum pointed out that around 76 billion pesos are allocated annually to the agricultural sector through different supports, including Sembrando Vida, and highlighted the effort to buy corn at 6,000 pesos, two thousand pesos more than its cost. 'So, there is support,' she stated. Since the beginning of this week, corn producers have escalated their protests over the agricultural situation by blocking various highways across the country. 'It's a great effort,' she assured. Berdegué's announcement fails to defuse the protests: 'A handshake does not solve the crisis.' Regarding the ongoing protests, despite the announcement last Wednesday at the National Palace about an agreement reached with producers, she said: 'There are farmers who disagree.' Days later, Julio Berdegué, Secretary of Agriculture, reported that an agreement had been reached to provide support due to the drop in reference prices, as well as a price adjustment program. However, despite the promise to lift the blockades, yesterday the SICT reported that there were still around 12 blockades, showing the disagreement of some groups who state that the announced support is unclear and insufficient. 'Many have political interests. You just have to see to which parties many of their leaders belong,' Sheinbaum stated.
