Mexico Launches Fertilizer Distribution Program in Michoacan

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) has launched the Fertilizers for Well-Being program in Michoacan, aiming to support 74,252 small-scale farmers and cover 135,000ha of agricultural land. The program provides direct and free fertilizer distribution to enhance food production and strengthen the country’s food sovereignty.

President Claudia Sheinbaum officially launched the program in Cuitzeo, Michoacan, emphasizing its focus on supporting small-scale farmers by prioritizing staple crops such as corn and beans and ensuring direct distribution without intermediaries. The event also featured Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture, Víctor Rodríguez, PEMEX Director General, and Alfredo Ramírez, Michoacan Governor.

Berdegué emphasized that free access to fertilizers is now a constitutional right and urged beneficiaries to safeguard the program. The minister added that 1Mt of free fertilizer will be distributed nationwide this year, benefiting over 2 million farmers. In Michoacan, 40,435t will be allocated. Moreover, he highlighted the state’s role as a leader in agricultural production and exports. 

Rodríguez outlined PEMEX’s role in the program, noting that the ongoing rehabilitation of the company’s fertilizer plants is expected to restore full production capacity by 2027. He reported that in 2024, the Lazaro Cardenas plant distributed 213,000t of fertilizers via more than 7,000 shipments to three states, including Michoacan.

Sheinbaum also announced plans for a follow-up visit in March to introduce Harvesting Sovereignty, a new program aimed at increasing small and medium-scale food production for domestic supply. The initiative will include agroecological technical assistance, market access, low-interest credit, research, and sustainable water use strategies.