President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has announced an ambitious agricultural plan to revolutionize the country’s food landscape by reinstating government-operated stores and promoting food sovereignty.
The initiative specifically focuses on boosting domestic production of traditional staples like beans and corn, with a goal to increase bean production by 30% over six years. Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué has also outlined plans to stabilize corn prices for farmers producing tortilla corn.
Traditional Foods Advocacy
President Sheinbaum is a strong advocate for traditional Mexican foods, emphasizing the nutritional value of beans over processed snacks like potato chips. The government also plans to lower tortilla prices by 10% in response to recent increases.
Despite challenges posed by modern supermarkets and changing consumer behavior, the government aims to reinvigorate the consumption of beans and traditional Mexican foods. This plan aligns with Sheinbaum’s commitment to following the policies of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The revitalization of government-operated stores harkens back to 1980s food policies, with a focus on supporting local agriculture and preserving traditional food distribution systems.
Overall, this agricultural strategy reflects a nostalgic view of the past while addressing current challenges in Mexico’s food industry.