Barley producers in the highlands of Hidalgo have made 60% progress in negotiations with brewing companies to determine the price of their grain, and an agreement could be finalized on May 12 during the Barley Growers Meeting in the municipality of Apan. This was reported by Óscar Manuel Flores, president of the Union of Barley Growers of the Highlands of Hidalgo and Puebla.
Flores stated that definitive details cannot yet be provided; however, he assured that significant progress has been made in the dialogue sessions led by state authorities.
He indicated that the price agreed upon with Grupo Modelo and other brewing companies will be announced at the meeting, which will be attended by Governor Julio Menchaca Salazar.
The leader highlighted that the state governor, Julio Menchaca Salazar, as well as the Secretary of Agriculture, have been working to improve marketing conditions for the benefit of producers, with the goal of achieving an increase compared to the previous year.
At the same time, Óscar Manuel Flores noted that the integration of producers into the barley growers’ organization is progressing, with the organization already boasting between 3,200 and 3,800 members distributed across 36 groups.
He emphasized that the call for membership is open to small and medium-sized producers, especially those without marketing contracts.
Work is underway in every ejido (communal land) and municipality to integrate everyone without distinction.
The barley leader explained that the average yield in the region is two tons per hectare, although in some areas it reaches up to three.
He also estimated that small producers represent between 40 and 48% of the total of approximately 140,000 to 160,000 hectares dedicated to barley cultivation in the state.
Finally, he indicated that the recently created Union of Barley Growers also seeks to join the National Barley Council, with the goal of having representation in the sector’s decision-making at the national level.
Source: oem
