MEXICO CITY (AP).— The president Claudia Sheinbaum announced yesterday Tuesday an agriculture plan that could make food production and distribution in the country like that of the 1990s. 1980when Meals in Mexico were dominated by tortillas, beans, instant coffee and chocolate cheap hot.
Four decades ago, the ingredients for those foods were often purchased in government stores that carried some basic products.
President Sheinbaum promised yesterday to revive those government stores often in poor condition and with limited products and continue with the work to achieve the “food sovereignty”.
“It is producing what we consume,” said Claudia Sheinbaum about the program, whose main focus will be to increase the production of beans and corn.
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A worker arranges freshly made tortillas before wrapping them to sell, in a neighborhood store in Mexico City
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A worker arranges freshly made tortillas before wrapping them to sell, in a neighborhood store in Mexico City
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Claudia seems to have a deep interest in promoting bean production and consumption. On Monday, he commented that it is “Much better to eat a taco of beans than a bag of potatoes.”
Claudia Sheinbaum wants to lower the price of tortillas by 10%
The Secretary of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué, said that the focus will be guarantee prices for farmers who grow the corn used for tortillas and reduce the cost of tortillas by 10%, after prices have risen in recent years.
The government intends boost bean production by 30% in six years to replace imports and will create research centers to supply higher-yielding seeds.
READ: Narcowar in Sinaloa: they ask Claudia Sheinbaum for help; “the economy is going to collapse”
“Self-sufficiency in beans is a goal that the president has set for us,” commented Berdegué.
Claudia Sheinbaum will promote the production of more coffee and beans
The Mexican government will also focus on supporting coffee productionbut mainly for the instant coffeewhich he claims is used in 84% of Mexican homes.
The plan will also seek to support cocoa production, but mainly for chocolate powder, not fine chocolate bars.
Contrary trend
The policies seem to go against market trends and what Mexican food sales are like today, when the Consumption of most traditional commodities has declined.
A large part of Mexicans today buy in modern supermarkets and the consumption of freshly ground coffee, not instant, has increased enormously, accompanied by a rise of chains and stores specializing in coffee.
Meanwhile, bean consumption has fallen precipitously for decades in Mexico. According to the government report “Agrifood Panorama 2024”, Mexicans consume only 7.7 kilograms of beans per year, compared to 16 kg per year in the 1980s.
One ccombination of factors, including the time it takes to cook the beanscould be behind that trend.
Amanda Gálvez, researcher from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), wrote that “We despise beans by thinking of them as ‘poor people’s food’ and we are making a very serious mistake,” because beans are a good source of protein.
Tortilla consumption has also decreased from 100 kg per capita per year in 2000 to about 75 kg in 2024. Consumers are increasingly buying bakery products instead of tortillas.
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**Interview with Dr. Laura Martínez, Agricultural Economist**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martínez. President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a significant agriculture plan aimed at reviving food production and distribution in Mexico. What do you think are the key elements of this plan?
**Dr. Martínez:** Thank you for having me. The plan has a couple of crucial components. First, it emphasizes the revival of government stores that once provided basic food products, which could enhance access to essential items, particularly for lower-income communities. Second, the focus on increasing the production of staples like beans and corn is vital. The goal of achieving food sovereignty is particularly significant in a country that has relied heavily on imports for these crops.
**Interviewer:** Sheinbaum mentions a desire to reduce the price of tortillas by 10%. How feasible do you think this goal is, given current market trends?
**Dr. Martínez:** Reducing tortilla prices by that margin is ambitious, especially in the context of rising production costs and inflation. However, guaranteeing prices for farmers and increasing domestic corn production can potentially stabilize prices. If the government successfully implements subsidies and support programs for farmers, it could create a favorable environment to achieve this goal.
**Interviewer:** The plan also aims to boost bean production by 30% over six years. How realistic is this target, and what challenges might the government face in achieving it?
**Dr. Martínez:** Increasing bean production by 30% is an ambitious but achievable target, given Mexico’s historical capacity in agriculture. However, the government will need to confront several challenges, including improving agricultural technology, ensuring access to high-quality seeds, and addressing issues like water scarcity. If they can establish effective research centers and provide adequate support to farmers, they may be able to meet that target.
**Interviewer:** Sheinbaum has highlighted a preference for consuming beans over processed foods. How do you view this dietary direction in terms of public health and local agriculture?
**Dr. Martínez:** Promoting more nutritious, locally-sourced foods like beans is a positive public health strategy. Beans are rich in protein and fiber, and encouraging their consumption can help combat issues like obesity and malnutrition. Additionally, focusing on such staple foods aligns with strengthening local agriculture, which can lead to increased self-sufficiency and economic development within rural communities.
**Interviewer:** What overarching impact do you think this agriculture plan could have on Mexico’s economy and food security?
**Dr. Martínez:** If implemented effectively, the plan could significantly enhance food security in Mexico by reducing dependency on imports and promoting local production. This could lead to job creation in the agricultural sector and stimulate rural economies. Ultimately, it could foster a more resilient food system that can better withstand global market fluctuations and climate challenges.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Martínez, for your insights on this important topic.
**Dr. Martínez:** Thank you for having me.