Mexico: Tlatlauqui potato producers join national protest

According to reports from the toll collection center, the takeover began around noon; at first, traffic was restricted, but free traffic was soon allowed in both directions to avoid further disruptions to traffic.

During the demonstration, Mario Alberto Castro Jiménez, delegate of Microregion 7, spoke with producers to reach agreements and ensure safe conditions on the highway. The meeting was held on-site, with representatives of the protesters in attendance. They stated that  they will continue their peaceful actions  and await a formal response to their demands.

The Teziutlán State Highway Police Directorate, Region III, reported that the mobilization proceeded without incident. Members of the Teziutlán State Preventive Police (CECORE) and the State Highway Police remain in the area, protecting the safety of motorists and protesters, as well as regulating traffic flow during the takeover of the toll booth.

The farmers indicated that their mobilization is part of the actions taking place in various regions of the country to demand  fair prices for their products  and certainty regarding production costs. The national list of demands includes guaranteed prices for basic grains, support for rising input costs, and clear marketing rules. In this context, producers in the Northeastern Sierra are seeking dialogue with state and federal authorities to address the decline in profitability and to prevent the cost of inputs from making the next season unviable.

Puebla is one of the country’s main potato-producing states. In addition to Tlatlauquitepec, cultivation is concentrated in municipalities such as Zacapoaxtla, Chichiquila, Chilchotla, and Teziutlán; in the eastern region, Chalchicomula de Sesma, La Fragua, and Tlachichuca are also prominent.