Garza: “Efforts to strengthen the internal markets of Mexico’s agricultural sector create the foundation to further expand Mexico’s exports and help Mexico become more competitive.”Mexico City, August 24, 2006 — “Small-scale agricultural producers need assistance to stay competitive in changing markets dominated by supermarkets. Improved access to credit, market information, and new technologies will help these farmers stay in business,” said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza, Jr.
“The impact of supermarkets on small-scale producers in Mexico is significant with farmers struggling to remain viable in a changing marketplace. Generally, smaller farmers’ livelihoods have been adversely affected by the influx of large supermarkets because the farmers have been unable to deliver the quantity, quality and timeliness that supermarkets require. Small-scale producers have the labor to develop more intensive production systems, increasing the value of their products, but they need assistance,” added Garza.
The August 24 conference, “Developing Win – Win Solutions between Producers and Supermarkets” in Morelia, sponsored by the State of Michoacán and supported by the U.S. government, brings together supermarket representatives, agricultural producers, and Michoacán state and U.S. government officials. Participants will examine current changes in the marketplace and develop solutions that link supermarkets more closely with small producers. Defining the roles that state and federal agencies play in the process is also critical.
The U.S. government has worked with the state government of Michoacán and funded researchers from Michigan State University to complete a series of studies on how supermarkets are impacting production and supply chains.
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