On ranches Durangoranchers face a silent pressure: sell all your cattle to a single buyer, at a lower price than that of the market; There are no overt threats or weapons involved, but the “offer” comes in such a way that few dare to challenge.
Manuel Núñez Carrillocompany director Pa´Lantededicated to the purchase of livestock in Durango, explained in an interview with 24 HOURS that in the region there are those who seek to monopolize the sale and there are veiled threats to confiscate the calves of those who seek to offer their heads elsewhere.
The situation is reminiscent of The Godfatherof Mario Puzoan invitation disguised as a fair deal for the parties, but which in practice closes any possibility of real negotiation, “an offer that cannot be rejected.”
‘Trade agreement’
What is presented as a trade agreement actually seeks to reconfigure economic power in the Durango countryside under a logic of domination, without the need for violence… for now.
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Out of nowhere, 35 livestock traders from four municipalities incorporated them into a group of WhatsApp organized by those who seek to monopolize buying and selling in the region.
In one of the messages, the administrators comment: “If you need money in advance, come, here we have it,” attaching a photograph with bales of cash.
In contrast, in another they warn: “Gentlemen, we warn you that the cattle should only come here and we are aware that some of you have been selling cattle to other parts, some calves were already seized from one person, it is better to avoid those problems.”
Of course, The cattle must be sold to the alleged hoarder for 60 to 65 pesos per kiloa price lower than the market, which would boost their profits by being the only seller in the area.
They point to the owner of Rancho El Lago as responsible
Núñez points directly to Jesus Felix Madueñowho before the Senasica appears last June as owner of the Rancho El Lagoin the municipality of Name of GodDurango, a town where most of the houses are one story and 40% of the population lives in moderate poverty.
But for his “business,” he instructed the ranchers to take their heads for sale to Corrales Minervain Victoria of Durango, where he appears registered as a collector before the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development of the state.
The main function of a stockpiler is to buy animals or derived products directly from small and medium-sized producers, and then “stockpile” them in large volumes that can be resold to fatteners, packers, slaughterhouses, exporters or large marketers.
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Many ranchers gave in to the pressure, given the firm words, the photos sent by WhatsApp of wads of bills on the seats of a truck and Félix Madueño’s calm explanations of the convenience of selling only to him and everyone “working” equally in the same direction.
They raise their voices in Durango
Except Manuel, who responded negatively, raised his voice and sought out the media and authorities demanding to be able to work as he has always done, buying when, how and from whomever he wants at the market price.
Little by little, his voice made its way among the federal, state and military authorities, who placed themselves at his service, gave him contact numbers and promised to investigate the matter.
“We will not let the things that happen in other states happen in Durango. We are going to protect agriculture, livestock and commerce with the full force of the law,” the state governor said in recent days. Esteban Villegas Villarrealinterviewed by the local press, once Nuñez raised his voice.
Manuel recently learned of the death of Bernardo Bravolemon leader in Michoacanmurdered for raising his voice against extortion and floor charges to the producers of the Apatzingan Valley.
“Of course I’m afraid, I wouldn’t be human if I weren’t afraid… At least 40 friends have sent me the report about the lemon boy. The one who defended the rights of the lemon trees.”
“I answer my friends and tell them: ‘Listen, I already feel more threatened by you than by those who want to monopolize the market, because all of you have sent it to me.'”
But someone has to speak up.
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Extortion impacts prices: expert
The doctor Fernando Jimenezspecialist in Prevention of Terrorism at the Jalisco Schoolexplained that when certain productive sectors suffer from extortion, consequences occur in production, acquisition of goods, commerce, consumption and the national economy.
He assured that in the case of Durango, the capture of productive processes limits entrepreneurs, whether to move, produce or sell their products, something that is observed in various sectors throughout the country, at different scales.
It may even come
“An example, some vegetable product, which suddenly begins to increase a lot of extortion to the producers, suddenly there may be a shortage of the product. Not only an increase in the price to be able to cover the extortions, but it could even lead to production being stopped or production stopped and then generating a shortage,” he explained to 24 HORAS.
He stressed that the authorities tend to investigate little, since they are not crimes that are committed on public roads, or in which violence is exercised in the first instance.