Mexico to strengthen support for farmers in 2026

In 2026, the Mexican government will provide targeted support to producers in highly marginalized regions through the Fair Trade program. The initiative focuses on strategic crops such as rice, bread wheat, and corn, and is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) under new operating rules that came into effect on January 1, 2026. The program aims to increase the incomes of small and medium-sized farmers through guaranteed prices and direct financial incentives tied to the sale of their products. Eligible commodities include white corn, bread wheat, paddy rice, beans, coffee, cocoa, honey, and vegetables such as onion, tomato, and chili.

SADER highlighted that Mexican farmers face multiple challenges, including insufficient infrastructure and technology, low prices, reliance on intermediaries, limited access to credit, and land abandonment. Medium-sized producers are particularly affected by barriers to accessing more profitable markets due to strict requirements on volume, consistent quality, or certifications. Inadequate collection, storage, and transportation infrastructure further increases production costs and reduces farmers’ bargaining power with large buyers.

“These challenges not only lower farmers’ incomes but also perpetuate a cycle of rural poverty, limiting their ability to improve living standards and adopt sustainable agricultural practices,” the ministry stated.

The Fair Trade program was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) with an initial budget of MX$2.7 billion (US$153.9 million), which may be adjusted based on operational needs such as commodity price fluctuations and market demand. For rice, small producers will receive up to MX$9,080 per ton, and medium-sized producers up to MX$8,260 per ton. Guaranteed prices for bread wheat are set at MX$7,600 per ton for small producers and MX$7,050 per ton for medium producers. Support for white corn is aimed at medium-sized producers marketing up to 250 tons, with a financial instrument ensuring competitive pricing amid market volatility.

In addition to price support, the program provides incentives for infrastructure development and market linkages, including processing, storage, packaging, and commercialization. Participation requires producers to be organized in cooperative structures, with priority given to women’s groups, rural youth, and Indigenous communities. SADER emphasized that the data and insights gathered will serve as a technical and administrative foundation for coordination with other agricultural programs, helping democratize access to public opportunities and strengthen policy-making in the agrifood sector.

Tags: Mexico, corn, subsidies