### AMLO Acknowledges Lemon Producers in Michoacán Suffering from Crime Extortion
On August 16, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged that lemon producers in Michoacán are experiencing extortion from organized crime. He assured that both state and federal authorities are actively addressing the issue.
Reports from local and national media on August 12, 2024, indicated that up to 80 percent of lemon producers had gone on strike due to the extortion in Tierra Caliente. Subsequently, the Michoacán government took control of the Apatzingán lemon market.
In his morning press conference at the National Palace, the President mentioned that these extortions could affect lemon prices but expressed confidence that the situation would be temporary. “There is this extortion conflict in the Buenavista area, Tierra Caliente of Michoacán, and the Army, National Guard, and State Police are already intervening to protect the producers,” he stated.
The President noted that while the extortions might temporarily raise lemon prices, with some mentioning 26 pesos per kilo, efforts are underway to address the situation.
Three criminal groups, including the Tepalcatepec Cartel, Los Caballeros Templarios, and Los Viagras, are reported to be involved in the extortions and levies on lemon producers in Tierra Caliente. The Michoacán government acknowledged that lemon producers receive between seven and eight pesos per kilo delivered to packing companies, while in commercial centers, the fruit sells at prices ranging from 36.90 to 49.90 pesos.
Michoacán, where around 40,000 families depend on lemon cultivation and sales, is the leading lemon producer in Mexico, along with Veracruz, Colima, and Oaxaca, which together account for 75 percent of national production.
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### Secondary Article: New Initiatives to Combat Agricultural Extortion in Michoacán
In an effort to protect lemon producers in Michoacán from criminal extortion, the state’s Secretary of Public Security announced new measures. These initiatives, developed in collaboration with federal forces, include increased military and police presence in affected areas, surveillance operations, and the establishment of a dedicated hotline for producers to report extortion incidents directly.
The Michoacán government has also partnered with agricultural associations to create a fund aimed at supporting impacted lemon farmers. This fund will provide financial assistance and resources for improved security measures on farms.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy is working on a plan to stabilize lemon prices to prevent market fluctuations caused by extortion. These combined efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety and economic stability of lemon producers in the region.
These proactive steps are a part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime’s influence in Mexico’s agricultural sector, ensuring that vital industries remain resilient and free from illegal pressures.