Mexico City Seeks to Double Corn Production and Empower Farmers
Mexico City, September 29, 2026 – The Mexico City government is set to significantly boost its corn production, aiming to double the current annual output of approximately 8,000 tons. This ambitious goal, announced during the National Corn Day celebration, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen farmers in conservation areas and promote local consumption.
During the event, Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, highlighted ongoing efforts to protect native corn varieties and connect agricultural producers directly with urban consumers. These initiatives include the continuation of the Altépetl program, through which the city government invests over one billion pesos annually in conservation land, directly benefiting nearly 2,500 corn producers.
Promoting Local Consumption and Protecting Native Corn
A key focus of the government’s strategy is to foster local consumption, ensuring that corn harvested from the city’s fields reaches restaurants and taquerias. Plans are underway to expand the ‘From the Field to the City’ program and ‘Tiendas de la Tierra’ (Earth Stores), aiming to eliminate intermediaries and create a more direct link between producers and consumers.
Brugada also reiterated that last year, a decree was issued declaring Mexico City a transgenic-free zone for corn. This was complemented by the establishment of a molecular analysis laboratory and a germplasm bank, designed to detect and prevent the presence of genetically modified organisms in crops.
Currently, there are 10 ‘Casas de las Semillas’ (Seed Houses) operating in the city, serving as hubs for the exchange and commercialization of native corn seeds. The Head of Government further announced that a ‘Feria del Maíz y la Agrodiversidad’ (Corn and Agrobiodiversity Fair) will take place on October 3rd and 4th.
Looking ahead, Brugada revealed plans for the launch of the ‘Mercado de la Tierra’ (Earth Market) next year. This public space will enable farmers from the capital to directly sell food, plants, and flowers on a large scale and at fair prices.
During her address, the Head of Government also criticized past government policies, accusing them of neglecting the agricultural sector and prioritizing corn imports over local production.
Key Initiatives and Figures:
- Current Production: Approximately 8,000 tons annually from over 4,000 hectares.
- Native Corn Varieties: Nine distinct races of corn are cultivated in the region.
- Altépetl Program: Annual investment exceeding one billion pesos, benefiting nearly 2,500 corn producers.
- Transgenic-Free Zone: Mexico City declared free of transgenic corn last year, supported by a molecular analysis laboratory and germplasm bank.
- Casas de las Semillas: 10 active centers for native corn seed exchange and sales.
- Upcoming Events: Corn and Agrobiodiversity Fair on October 3-4.
- Future Plans: Launch of ‘Mercado de la Tierra’ next year for direct farmer-to-consumer sales.
The government’s efforts underscore a commitment to food sovereignty, environmental protection, and economic empowerment for local agricultural communities in Mexico City.
Source: https://enfoquenoticias.com.mx/noticias/cdmx-busca-duplicar-produccion-de-maiz-y-fortalecer-a-productores
