Escalating Tensions in Zacatecas
Zacatecas, Mexico — A wave of civil unrest has gripped the state of Zacatecas as local bean producers, frustrated by what they describe as a discriminatory federal collection program, have taken to the streets in protest. For two consecutive days, farmers have blocked major roadways and occupied government buildings to demand equitable access to federal bean procurement centers, which were established to provide a guaranteed price of 27 pesos per kilogram.
Since December, the federal government has operated 54 collection centers across 17 municipalities, aiming to acquire 60,000 tons of beans. However, as the program nears its conclusion, small-scale farmers claim they are being systematically excluded from these benefits.
Allegations of Favoritism and 'Coyotaje'
Producers from municipalities including Villa de Cos, Morelos, Pánuco, Calera, and Fresnillo have led the demonstrations. According to farmer representative Isaías Castro Trejo, the protests were born out of necessity after waiting 15 days for government responses that never materialized.
At the heart of the controversy is the allegation that the collection centers are prioritizing "coyotes"—intermediaries who purchase crops at low prices to resell—along with wealthy producers and organizations with specific political affiliations. Fernando Galván, leader of the group Frijoleros Organizados por el Bienestar (FOBZ), echoed these concerns, stating that operators at the collection centers are actively allowing intermediaries to bypass regulations, while independent farmers are left without an outlet for their harvest.
Political Finger-Pointing
The situation has become further complicated by a war of words between state officials and federal legislators. Omar Carrera, the state’s Undersecretary of Concertation and Citizen Attention, publicly accused federal deputy José Narro Céspedes of orchestrating the protests. Narro Céspedes has denied these claims, asserting that the unrest is a direct result of the state government's failure to fulfill its promises and provide necessary support to the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the opposition has seized on the unrest as evidence of systemic failure. Carlos Peña, state leader of the PRI, declared the procurement program a "failure," alleging that it has served only to benefit groups aligned with the ruling Morena party, while other farmers are forced to sell their product for as little as six pesos per kilogram.
Concerns Over Transparency and Safety
Beyond the political maneuvering, more alarming concerns have emerged regarding the integrity of the supply chain. Federal Deputy Luvianka Partida Chávez suggested that the issues plaguing the program go deeper than simple bureaucratic mismanagement, citing reports of interference by organized crime in the bean collection process.
As the deadline for the federal program approaches, the lack of transparency regarding the total volume of beans collected and the timeline for the program's conclusion remains a significant point of contention. For the farmers of Zacatecas, the current situation represents a missed opportunity for the federal government to provide the promised economic stability, leaving many to fear that their livelihoods will be sacrificed to benefit political interests and illicit intermediaries.
