Growing threat to Mexico's crops (Hijacking, extortion and murder)

San Antonio Express News ^ | 11 December 2012 | William Pack

[Racehorse]

The drug violence in Mexico has a new potential victim: the potent agricultural sector in that country and its multibillion-dollar ties to consumers, farmers and ranchers in the United States.

So far, two South Texas produce companies have changed the way they conduct business there.

It's primarily how they move strawberries, melons, onions and other produce out of Mexico that has been affected rather than the growing practices themselves, company representatives said.

SNIP

Progreso already is transporting commodities grown in places like the city of Tampico on Mexico's Gulf Coast and the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico in multi-truck caravans from Ciudad Victoria in Tamaulipas state to Texas about 300 miles to the north.

The border region is the riskiest area in Mexico, and drivers need the added security, DeBerry said.

Drivers for Edinburg-based Frontera Produce, meanwhile, stay off the most isolated roads and try not to travel at night while bringing fruits and vegetables to Texas.

It has onion growers in the Tampico area, raises pineapples farther south around the state of Veracruz and produces other crops throughout Mexico.

“It's not good to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Chris Eddy, Frontera's sales director.

SNIP

Extortion demands by the cartel for safe transfer of agricultural commodities are widely rumored in Mexico but difficult to confirm. Shipments reportedly have been stolen and drivers harassed, though some speculate that drug cartels may not be as responsible for that violence as other criminals hiding behind the drug-related turmoil.

Still, random violence has increased in isolated areas of the country, raising the professional and personal risks of farmers and the chances they may flee to safer environments.

[anglian]

“I thought it was ethanol and bio diesel that was causing food prices to skyrocket.”
It is, as well as this... Mexico Imposes New Tariffs on U.S. After NAFTA Violation http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2579298/posts http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704868604575433840527312042.html